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InsidersMy BangkokSomboon Prasitjutrakul, President of DKSH Thailand and Head of DKSH’sBusiness Unit Consumer Goods, tells us what his native city has to offernot only as a tourist destination, but ever more so as one of South East Asia’sbest answers to western business hubs.Bangkok straddles the Chao Phraya River,with canals cutting across to pour into thebay south of the city center. This old metropolisis undoubtedly one of the alpha citiesof South East Asia. A fusion of ancienttranquillity and fast-paced life, Thailand’sleading city is not only a promise of unrivalledexoticism for western explorers, but ithas also shown its worth in terms of businessopportunities.Born and raised in Bangkok, and now in myrole as President of DKSH Thailand, I findthat the greatest assets of this superb city areits people, its culture, and its diversity. Honest,friendly, and respectful, Thais makebusiness dealings in this part of the worldmuch simpler. And if you really want to hitit off with them, a little small talk goes a longway. The Thai workforce also offers greatquality at great value so that business opportunitiesare particularly inviting, especiallyfor manufacturers.inexpensive, and fast alternative to driving.Worth mentioning here is the rapid halfhourSky Train transfer from our new airportto the city center, which takes the edge offoften-stressful business trips.But business opportunities are not all that ison offer. After a hard day’s work, Bangkok’svast array of entertainment does not comeshort of any of its western rivals. Haggle inthe Floating Market or let your nose be tan-A lack of decent infrastructure is one of thegreatest obstacles that companies face whenexpanding into emerging markets – but inthis respect, Bangkok poses no real problems.Though the well-paved roads are overflowingwith maddening traffic, the rest ofthe transport system provides an effective,Bangkok’s Floating Market: an experience for foreigners and locals alike.62 expand 01/2011