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Families Enjoy Disney on Ice Courtesy of SAS EuroBonus |
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On March 30, 37 families attended Disney on Ice at the Impact Arena, courtesy of Scandinavian Airlines. The families were all EuroBonus Gold and Silver members. Apart from Mickey and Minnie there were special appearances by the Lion King, Peter Pan, Lilo and Stitch and many other Disney characters. SAS’s Director and General Manager for Southeast Asia, Mr Hakan Olsson and a team of four SAS support staff were at Impact to welcome the EuroBonus members. |
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| Date : 23-Apr-2008
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For quite some time the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce has been hampered by lack of resources and this has put a brake on an expansion of the activity level of the Chamber. |
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For quite some time the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce has been hampered by lack of resources and this has put a brake on an expansion of the activity level of the Chamber. 2007 featured an expanded programme including the King Chulalongkorn Memorial Project as well as the Business Seminar held in November 2007, but the resources were extremely squeezed, and it was clear that it was impossible to continue to expand without adding resources. Simply, a crossroad had been reached and a choice between two scenarios had to be made:
1. Increase activities and the ambition level of the Chamber in order to add more value for members and also increase revenue earning opportunities
2. Scale back the activity level in the Chamber to a bare minimum and tag on to the TSCC
On 12 February the issue was brought up at the Board Meeting, and the Board voted for a stand-alone scenario. The issue was also brought to the Members’ attention at the Annual General Meeting on 20 March. The Board is aiming to cut over to the stand-alone scenario from 1 July 2008. The changes aim to strengthen the Chamber so it can better serve and add value to the members. The increased activity level will focus on expanding business activities in Thailand as well as strengthening the business relations between Thailand and Norway
Chamber President Axel Blom and Vice President Vibeke Leirvaag are in charge of the transition. John Svengren, the joint Swedish and Norwegian Executive Director, is also very much part of the transition team, and will oversee the practical transition and knowledge transfer.
We are now looking for a dedicated local Norwegian Executive Director and Chamber Secretary, both starting in July 2008. Several local Executive Director candidates have been identified, and interviews are taking place. A final decision on the Chamber’s office location has not been made, although a closer co-operation with Innovation Norway in regards to office and activities is desired, and preliminary meetings with Innovation Norway have been held. A decision will be made during May 2008.
Finally, Chamber President Axel Blom would like to thank the Thai Swedish Chamber of Commerce and in particular John Svengren for his dedicated work for many years and his understanding for the current situation. The transition team will work at making the cutover as easy as possible with ample time for handover so that all aspects of practical Chamber operation can be taken into account. |
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| Date : 17-Apr-2008
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A new Board of Investment Special Unit for all Companies: |
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The BoI has on the request from the Foreign Business Community implemented a Special Unit for Investor Coordination and Trouble Shooting as part of its "Thailand Investment Year" campaign.
See the attached PDF file for more details.
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| Date : 01-Apr-2008
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Tilleke & Gibbins is the winner: |
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Tilleke & Gibbins is the winner of the International Law Office (ILO) Client Choice 2007 Award for Thailand. The winning firms in 46 jurisdictions worldwide were announced on the Client Choice Awards website at http://www.clientchoiceawards.com
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| Date : 01-Apr-2008
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Partnership and Corporate Law upgrades: |
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"Why seven shareholders?" is a question businessmen have pestered corporate lawyers with for years, but it is about to become a thing of the past. The Thai Government, prodded by the Commerce Ministry, is adopting major amendments to several Partnership and
Corporate Law provisions with the aim to simplify or do away with unnecessary statutory procedures and the Civil and Commercial Code.
Read all about it on the attached PDF.
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| Date : 17-Mar-2008
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Legal Update & Amendment to the Civil & Commercial Code: |
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Read more of the end of the 30% Reserve Rule, easing of Foreign Currency Restrictions, Deposit Insurance, Credit Bureau, Work Permit Costs to increase and much more. Amendment to the Civil & Commercial Code was published on 03 March 2008 being effective from 01 July 2008.
Read more on the attachment. |
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| Date : 11-Mar-2008
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More from Henrik Essen - "The Top Performing Manager":
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You will recall Henrik Essen addressing us recently at a Chamber Breakfast Meeting on "Strategic People Management". He has written the attached enlightening article on "The Top Performing Manager" based on thousands of coaching and consulting sessions with world class managers of today.
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| Date : 04-Mar-2008
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The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Seminar on Trade Services in Practice: |
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An understanding of best practice in LCs, Collections and Guarantees takes place Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 March 2008 at the Conrad Hotel Bangkok. This seminar will meet the practical needs of those involved in international trade services and documentary credits and will allow participants to learn about best practice in LCs, Collections and Guarantees.
See the attached PDF file for all details and contact ICC (Thailand) Tel: +66 2 622-1111 Ext 421 Direct: +66 2 622-2183 Fax: +66 2 225-5475 www.iccthailand.or.th for details.
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| Date : 03-Mar-2008
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The Charm of a Hidden Gem – Uthai Thani: |
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Looking for a new travel destination nearby Bangkok? Try Uthai Thani, a hidden province which is located only 2.5 hours drive from Bangkok. The province has kept its low profile so well that not many people, even Thai, know much about this place. Thai Country Trails discovered Uthai Thani 'incidentally' and got so impressed and charmed by the province and its people, that it had to share the experience with others. That is how ‘The Charm of a Hidden Gem – Uthai Thani’, a new concept travel guide, was originated.
Published by Thai Country Trails (www.thaicountrytrails.com) and distributed by Orchid Press (www.orchidbooks.com), the book is now available in most bookstores including Bookazine, Kinokuniya and Book Tower. |
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| Date : 26-Feb-2008
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Legal news - January 2008: |
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The European Union is taking steps to file a complaint with the World TradeOrganization about alleged Thai customs practice of rejecting declaredvaluation of EU products and applying arbitrary values. The case has arisenover the import of European alcoholic beverages.
Read more about and many other new Legal News on the attached PDF file. |
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| Date : 18-Feb-2008
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Strategic People Management - Breakfast Meeting 12 February with Henrik Essen: |
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In his presentation Henrik Essen introduced two simple efficient toolscalled the "P-Model" and GAC-Model". Ideally the P-Model should be useddaily and plan/follow up with the GAC-Model quarterly - then the performanceand results you are looking for will come Henrik assured the very wellattended Breakfast Meeting. And he also stressed throughout his presentationto take a deep look at yourself and simply ask: "Do I do this well enough orcould I improve as a manager?"
Henrik Essen can be reached essen.essen@pacific.net.sg |
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| Date : 18-Feb-2008
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The Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce releases King Chulalongkorn Centennial Gifts to mark the 100th anniversary of His visit to Norway: |
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The Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce releases King Chulalongkorn Centennial Gifts to mark the 100th anniversary of His visit to Norway:
2007 marks a special place in the historical relations between our two Kingdoms, Norway and Thailand. In 2007 the centennial of the visit of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) to Norway is celebrated. At Europe's northernmost point, King Chulalongkorn inscribed his Royal Monogram on a stone now featured at the North Cape Museum.
In this connection, the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce has requested Royal Permission from H.M. the King of Thailand to produce commemorative limited edition medals (coins without denomination) bearing the portrait of H.M. King Chulalongkorn as taken from the bust at North Cape on the front, while the reverse side features the Royal party at North Cape in 1907 surrounding the stone with the Royal inscription.
In addition, the Chamber has acquired a small number of miniature 25 cm high bronze replicas of the bust of King Chulalongkorn at North Cape. These individually numbered replicas were originally made for the inauguration ceremony in 1993.
These items are put on sale in order to donate money to a charity chosen by the elder sister of H.M. the King, H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana who celebrates her 7th cycle or 84th birthday in 2007. The production of the medals has graciously received Royal Approval from H.M. the King of Thailand. The casting of the miniature busts was approved by Royal command in 1993. The Chamber has also received Royal Endorsement for the project from H.R.H. Princess Galyani Vadhana who presided over the inauguration ceremony at North Cape in 1993.
The medals, produced at Norway's Royal Mint at Kongsberg, Norway, are 2.7 cm in diameter and are contained in a nice box marking the Royal Centennial at North Cape have been issued in gold weighing 15.6 grams (1 Baht) and will be sold for Baht 29,999, while the silver medal weighing 15.2 grams costs Baht 2,999. The busts are available as long as stock lasts for Baht 9,999.
The statue and medals can be ordered by completing the enclosed form and forwarding it to the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce. Additional forms can be downloaded from www.norcham.com. Payment or proof of payment must be enclosed. Payment can be made by bank transfer, company or bank cheque to Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce.
Please contact the Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce by e-mail secretary@norcham.com, by fax +66 (0) 2354 5232 or by telephone +66 (0) 2354 5229 for further details. |
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| Date : 02-Jan-2008
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Many Legal Developments in Thailand in the October - December 2007 period: |
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In the October - December 2007 period many legal developments were seen and new laws initiated in the areas of Banking & Finance, Intellectual Property, Securities & Exchange, Accounting, Board of Investment, Legislation, Environment, Election and Businesses.
Read all about it in the three attachments. |
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| Date : 01-Jan-2008
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IP and Legal Developments from Tilleke & Gibbins:
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On IP read about Data Protection under the Trade Secrets Law, Political Uncertainty Affects IP Owners, Implementation of "Concurrent Use" Concept by the Thai IP & IT Court, Korean Patent Battle in Thailand, Benefits of a Proactive Approach to Training, Registration of Geographical Indications, Raids & Seizures.
On Legal read about Living Will: A Patient's Right to Refuse Medical Treatment at Terminal Stage in Life, Temporary Cessation of Operations, Primer for Foreign Investors, AMLA: A Tool to Combat Terrorism, Ministry of Interior Policy to Prevent Purchase of Land for the Benefit of Foreigners, Three Truths and International Arbitration, Corporate Governance under the Proposed Amendments to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1992 and more on the two attachments. |
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| Date : 01-Jan-2008
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Security Concerns and Risks - Often not our priority in Thailand: |
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At a challenging Breakfast Meeting the Nordic Community in Thailand was reminded about a topic that is too often neglected in our daily lives and not prioritized on the Business Agenda at least if you asked the speaker - Security Expert John Muller.
On the Topic of "Security in Thailand - Perceptions,Reality and Best Practices John Muller guided the audience through threats and how to protect yourself against them. |
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| Date : 16-Oct-2007
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"Seeing the new Volvo S80 and more:
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Many Chamber Members took part at the very pleasant gathering with Volvo Cars of Thailand at the Thai Swedish Assembly at Bang Nga. Following a briefing groups were formed touring the factory. Back for informative presentations concluding with a luncheon."
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| Date : 24-Sep-2007
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Breakfast Meeting on the Thai Court System |
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A Nordic Chambers Breakfast Meeting Tilleke and Gibbins' Michael Ramirez as speaker on Thai Court System covering the different type of courts, their jurisdictions as well as the appeal system. An interesting well attended and much appreciated Breakfast Meeting.
Read more on the attached PDF file."
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| Date : 21-Sep-2007
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Breakfast on Compulsory Licensing: |
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The Breakfast Meeting on Compulsory Licensing (CL) held in cooperation with Tilleke & Gibbins provided insights into this musch discussed and sensitive topic.
Following the presentation the participants also engaged in a lively Q&A and discussion session.
Read more on the attached PDF file. |
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| Date : 21-Sep-2007
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Legal News August 2007: |
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The National Referendum held on 19 August 2007 confirmed that a majority of voters accepted the new Constitution drafted under the interim Government. The Finance Ministry has asked the Bank of Thailand to drop the 30% reserve rule on capital inflow.
Read more about these News and other new legal developments on the attached PDF file. |
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| Date : 20-Sep-2007
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"Call In For A Coffee - RSM Nelson Wheeler with a Tax Update: |
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RSM Nelson Wheeler continues to see cases of foreign companies putting themselves within the PE (Permanent Establishment) tax net in Thailand. The attached PDF article summarises the all-important determinative PE tests that are contained in the majority of Thailand's Double Tax Treaties.
Read it all on the attached file." |
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| Date : 21-Aug-2007
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"Legal News July 2007: |
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Hedging rules have been eased and dollar holdings allowed. These are two of several new legal news and regulations.
Read more on the attached PDF file." |
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| Date : 17-Aug-2007
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"Update on the Foreign Business Act Amendment: |
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Bangkok newspapers headlined the announcement that the draft FBA amendment did not pass its second reading by the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) on 08 August. Instead, the NLA called for a more restrictive definition of "alien" by a vote a 76 to 64.
Read more about it on the attached Flash Bulletin."
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| Date : 17-Aug-2007
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BoI Special Unit.pdf
