BBS JUNE 18

June 2018 

TM 

BANGKOK 

FREE 

COPY 

BUSINESS 

1 

SUPPLEMENT 

BANGKOK RATED THE BEST PLACE 

IN ASIA FOR STARTUPS 

Cover Story Overleaf 

INSIDE THIS ISSUE ... 

& BANGKOK SEES INCREASED BUSINESS TRAVEL 

& FOREIGN INVESTORS MOVE INTO THE BANGKOK OFFICE MARKET 

& THAILAND BUSINESS NEWS 

ADVERTISEMENT 

THAILAND’S OFFICIAL 

NUMBER 1 

PROVIDER OF THE ED VISA 

GRANDE 

Airport Bus 

CARIBBEAN Bruno’s 

< PATTAYA THAPPRAYA ROAD JOMTIEN > 

fraserspattaya.com facebook.com/fraserssportsbar 

SCAN 

THIS 

AREA 

BEACH ROAD PATTAYA - RESERVATIONS: 081-861-3446 

Tel: 027 350 956 , 081 271 5235 , Fax: 027 354 748 

Email: tlslanguageschool@gmail.com , Website: www.tlslanguageschool.com

2 

BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT 

cover story 

BANGKOK RATED THE BEST PLACE IN ASIA FOR STARTUPS 

According to a global startup index, Bangkok is 

currently rated as the seventh-best city in the 

world for startup businesses and ranks at number 

one in Asia. That, by any measure, is an 

impressive performance and one which might 

surprise given Bangkok ranks above the likes 

of the usual giants such as Hong Kong and Singapore. 

The Science and Technology Ministry hosted 

what it called Startup Thailand 2018 at the 

Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in the 

middle of May. The event was the largest of its 

kind conducted in Southeast Asia. It followed on 

from a similarly successful event run in 2017. 

According to the website set up to promote the 

event, ‘…there are now over 1,500 startups 

in various sectors [in Thailand]. Many Corporate 

Venture Capital Funds have continuously 

launched with an estimated size of an investment 

up to USD 1 billion for the past 12 months. 

‘Thailand’s Startup Ecosystem allows promising 

startups to scale globally by utilizing its network 

as the gateway to launch new innovative 

products and services. With endless business 

and investment opportunities in the Kingdom, 

Startup Thailand has now linked with more than 

25 startup communities all around the world.’ 

The event was supported by the government 

and the private sector and saw around 400 new 

projects showcased by operators from 25 countries. 

There were also 18 specific tech conferences 

held over the four-day event as well as a socalled 

Hackathon which was aimed at determining 

the best software developers. There 

was also a ‘pitching stage’ where outstanding 

startups received awards. 

Among the foreign speakers at the event were 

the head of Slush, Singapore, the Director of 

the Start-Up Chile team, the head of Technology 

in APAC Airbus Singapore, the Manager of 

the Malaysian Global Innovation and Creativity 

Centre, and the Chairwoman of the Saigon Innovation 

Hub. 

According to the Minister for Science and Technology, 

the current brace of 1,500 startups are 

set to be joined by a further 8,500 others which 

are waiting to be registered. 

The Minister claims the startups have helped to 

create some 15,000 new jobs and this is why 

the government likes to refer to startups as 

‘economic warriors’. 

The government announced its startup development 

policy only in 2016 and its rapid success 

in just two years has been one of the better 

examples of local innovation combining with 

bureaucratic support to propel Thailand into the 

forefront of an important global marketplace. 

High Tower Co., Ltd. Tel: 038 411 009 

For all your advertising enquiries - Tel: 0846 77 43 60


3 

Designer Duplex Condo 

- 160 sqm - at Panchalae Boutique 

Condominium 

Jomtien Beach Road (between Soi 8&9) 

4th & 5th floor, Duplex, 160 m2, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, 1 office/bedroom, 

30m2 balcony ideal for entertainment. Partail seaview, 100 meters from Jomtien 

beach, close to market and transportation. Modern stylish decoration and state of 

the art equipment. Western kitchen, complete with built-in high end appliances. 

Energy efficient appliances, inverter technology, LED lighting and A/C troughout. 

Key card access, CCTV, biometric door lock, 60” flatscreen TV, integrated 5 

loudspeaker entertainment system. 

In foreign name OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE 

6.5 MB 

081-996-3692 

Email: Reneneef@hotmail.com 

Beautiful Seaview Front Corner Unit 

- 142 sqm - at View Talay 5C 

Thappraya Road, Jomtien (7th Floor) 

1 bedroom, 1 office, spacious bathroom with large jacuzzi, wide balconies. 

Fantastic seaview over Ko Larn, right on Dongtan Beach, close to amenities 

and transporttation. Modern style decoration and furnifure, using only the 

best materials. Large Western style kitchen (halogen, fluorescent, LED). 

Access control (Guards, Keycard, CCTV) and high security door lock. 65” 

flatscreen TV, integrated 5 loudspeaker entertainment system 

In foreign name OWNER FINANCING AVAILABLE 

12.5 MB 

Email: ben.hightowerltd@gmail.com 

www.Thailand-Business-Supplement.com

4 


BANGKOK SEES INCREASED 

BUSINESS TRAVEL COSTS 

one stop service 

In these competitive times, the company that innovates and 

nimbly adapts to the changing business landscape, stays ahead 

of the pack. A balance of cutting edge technology, on trend 

marketing and classic business expertise will ensure that your 

company stays out in front. For custom-designed IT, Web & 

Marketing Solutions that present your best to a wider audience, 

BitSiren is your partner. No followers here. 

BitSiren 113/228 Anuphas Golf Ville Moo 7, T. Kathu, A. Kathu, Phuket 83120 Thailand 

T +66 76 319 179 F +66 76 319 178 contact@bitsiren.com - www.bitsiren.com 

According to the leading human 

resources firm, ECA International, 

Bangkok has moved within the top 

50 most expensive cities in Asia, but 

it is still significantly less expensive 

than those cities in the top 10 of the 

index. 

Hong Kong is the most expensive 

city in the index, clinching the number 

one spot from Tokyo, which held 

it previously. 

Lee Quane, ECA’s Asia director 

was quoted as saying, “Although 

Hong Kong has overtaken Tokyo in 

the rankings, this change is mostly 

because of the overall price of business 

travel in Japan decreasing in 

dollar terms after the yen fell in value 

over the course of 2017,” adding, 

“The cost of business travel in Hong 

Kong has remained unchanged from 

last year, with the typical business 

trip costing $508 per day on average.” 

ECA’s daily business travel rates 

total up the average cost of hotels, 

meals and transport as well as sundry 

items like drinks and snacks, 

laundry, internet and phone calls 

and other business needs. 

Back in the Thai Capital, the average 

expenditure for a business trip 

had risen to 8,678 baht per day or 

US$278. Other Thai cities also saw 

an increase. 

In third place came both Singapore 

and Seoul jointly, with average daily 

expenditure coming in at US$479 

per day. 

Mr. Quane was also quoted as saying, 

“Although only a small increase, 

the rise in business travel costs in 

Singapore reflects a growing trend,” 

adding, “Hotel costs have risen 

slightly in the past 12 months, but 

the main reason for Singapore’s rise 

has been the increased cost of eating 

out in restaurants frequented by 

business travellers in the city over 

the past year.” 

On the other end of the scale Malaysia 

remains the cheapest place 

for business expenditure. 

Mr. Quane was quoted as saying, 

“The continued weakness of 

the Malaysian ringgit against major 

currencies has ensured that the 

cost of business travel in Malaysia 

is cheaper than elsewhere in Asia,” 

adding, “Indonesia, Thailand, Brunei 

and Cambodia have cities which 

rank among the cheapest in the region 

for business travel, but the cost 

of a business trip to Kuala Lumpur 

is less than half of what it is in Hong 

Kong.” 

The cost of business travel to China 

has also risen and Shanghai has 

moved into ninth place in the index, 

yet it is still $100 less expensive per 

day than the Hong Kong or Tokyo. 

When looking at the global rankings 

as opposed to just those in 

Asia then New York tops the list at 

US$793 per day. 

Mr. Quane was further quoted as 

saying, “New York tops the rankings 

as the most expensive location 

for business travel due to the high 

cost of hotels and travel, as well as 

mandatory 15-20% tipping policies 

during meals out,” adding, “High demand 

for hotels especially means 

rates can be charged at a premium, 

and this is reflected in the average 

cost of a stay at a four-star hotel, 

which stands at a huge $509 per 

night.” 




5 

A 600 TW Private Resort (1.5 Rai),Bang Saray 

FOR SALE! 

49MB 

Reduced to 

39MB 

- 27 Rooms, Plus VIP Room all with Air Con 

- Fully Walled/Very Private Resort 

- 3 Swimming Pools (Salt Water) 

- 2 Minutes Walk to Beach in Bang Saray 

- Full Kitchens (4) 

- 15 Minutes to Jomtien Beach 

M: 084 677 4360 E: Hightowerpattaya@gmail.com 

The symbol that’s changing the face of print media . . . 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Search 

 

– 

 

 

 

 

 

To see how COCOAR2 technology can take your advertising 

to a whole new level, scan this advert 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on using this technology in you advertising, contact: Ben @ 084-677 4360 


 

 

 

SCAN 

THIS 

AREA 

Reservations: 081-861-3446 


6 


“Bits n 

Bytes” 

What is fake news? 

Lots of things you read online especially 

in your social media feeds may appear to 

be true, often is not. Fake news is news, 

stories or hoaxes created to deliberately 

misinform or deceive readers. 

Usually, these stories are created to either 

influence people’s views, push a political 

agenda or cause confusion and can often 

be a profitable business for online publishers. 

Fake news stories can deceive 

people by looking like trusted websites or 

using similar names and web addresses 

to reputable news organisations. 

The Rise of Fake News 

Fake news is not new however it has become 

a hot topic since 2017. Traditionally 

we got our news from trusted sources, 

journalists and media outlets that are required 

to follow strict codes of practice. 

However, the internet has enabled a 

whole new way to publish, share and consume 

information and news with very little 

regulation or editorial standards. 

Types of Fake News 

There are differing opinions when it comes 

to identifying types of fake news. However, 

when it comes to evaluating content 

STEVE DICKENS 

online there are various types of fake or 

misleading news we need to be aware of. 

These include: 

1. Clickbait 

These are stories that are deliberately 

fabricated to gain more website visitors 

and increase advertising revenue for websites. 

Clickbait stories use sensationalist 

headlines to grab attention and drive clickthroughs 

to the publisher website, normally 

at the expense of truth or accuracy. 

2. Propaganda 

Stories that are created to deliberately 

mislead audiences, promote a biased 

point of view or particular political cause 

or agenda. 

3. Satire/Parody 

Lots of websites and social media accounts 

publish fake news stories for entertainment 

and parody. For example; 

The Onion, Waterford Whispers, The Daily 

Mash, etc. 

4. Sloppy Journalism 

Sometimes reporters or journalists may 

publish a story with unreliable information 

or without checking all of the facts which 

can mislead audiences. For example, 

during the U.S. elections, fashion retailer 

Urban Outfitters published anElection 

Day Guide, the guide contained incorrect 

information telling voters that they needed 

a ‘voter registration card’. This is not required 

by any state in the U.S. for voting. 

5. Misleading Headings 

Stories that are not completely false can 

be distorted using misleading or sensationalist 

headlines. These types of 

news can spread quickly on social media 

sites where only headlines and small 

snippets of the full article are displayed on 

audience newsfeeds. 

6. Biased/Slanted News 

Many people are drawn to news or stories 

that confirm their own beliefs or biases 

and fake news can prey on these biases. 

Social media news feeds tend to display 

news and articles that they think we will 

like based on our personalised searches. 

The Fake News Business Model 

The internet and social media have made 

it very easy for anyone to publish content 

on a website, blog or social media profile 

and potentially reach large audiences. 

With so many people now getting news 

from social media sites, many content 

creators/publishers have used this to their 

advantage. 

Fake news can be a profitable business, 

generating large sums of advertising revenue 

for publishers who create 

and publish stories that go viral. The more 

clicks a story gets, the more money online 

publishers make through 

advertising revenue and for many publishers 

social media is an ideal platform to 

share content and drive web 

traffic. 

How to spot fake news? 

There are a number of things to watch out 

for when evaluating content online. 

1. Take a closer look 

Check the source of the story, do you 

recognise the website? Is it a credible/ 

reliable source? If you are unfamiliar with 

the site, look in the about section or find 

out more information about the author. 

2. Look beyond the headline 

Check the entire article, many fake news 

stories use sensationalist or shocking 

headlines to grab attention. Often the 

headlines of fake new stories are in all 

caps and use exclamation points. 

3. Check other sources 

Are other reputable news/media outlets 

reporting on the story? Are there any 

sources in the story? If so, check they are 

reliable or if they even exist! 

4. Check the facts 

Fake news stories often contain incorrect 

dates or altered timelines. It is also a good 

idea to check when the article was 

published, is it current or an old news story? 

5. Check your biases 

Are your own views or beliefs affecting 

your judgement of a news feature or 

report? 

6. Is it a joke? 

Satirical sites are popular online and 

sometimes it is not always clear whether 

a story is just a joke or parody… Check 

the website, is it known for satire or 

creating funny stories? 

LIBERTY COMPUTERS PATTAYA (Est. 1997) 

The specialists for bar, restaurant and entertainment systems 

from B31,000 New Pc’s, PC repairs, CCTV and security systems 

Tel: 038 360 400 or email steve@libertycomputers.asia 

www.libertycomputers.asia 




7 

SCAN THIS AREA 



8 


Husqvarna Motorcycles 

- In a class of their own 

www.falconmotorsports.org 

FE 501 2019 

FS 450 2018 701 SUPERMOTO 2018 

Arguably there are two kinds The owner of of the the Husqvarna Husqvarna 

FE FE 501 5012019 

Motorcyles Motorcyles Thailand Thailand shop in shop Patta-The The FE FE 501 501 houses houses the most the pow- 

most 

kinds of people of people who who ride motorbikes. ride motorbikes. 

The first are those who have in Pattaya is Roy Fu, and he is erful engine in the Husqvarna en- 

The 

first are those who have them as a 

is Roy Fu, and he is also the powerful engine in the Husqvarna 

cheap and convenient form of main importer of Husqvarna Motorcyles 

to Thailand. Being based in components, vibration is kept to form of thousands transport, which as evidenced can be by seen na Motorcyles Pattaya is a to major Thailand. plus for Being the city. components, minimum through vibration is a kept counter to a 

enduro range. With large moving 

them as a cheap and convenient also the main importer of Husqvarduro 

range. With large moving 

transport, as evidenced by the 

the thousands every day which across can the highways be seen and based The in Husqvarna Pattaya is logo a is major easily plus spot-minimuted balancer through shaft while a counter a map balanc- 

select 

every byways day across of Thailand. the highways and city. by drivers The Husqvarna coming in to logo the is city er switch shaft while changes a map the power select charac- 

switch 

for the 

byways of The Thailand. second group are genuine easily via spotted the main by motorway: drivers coming just look in to changes teristics the to best power suite characteristics 

riding conditions. 

best suite High riding quality conditions. finishes High and 

motorbike The second enthusiasts group : those are who to the the city left via before the main hitting motorway: Sukhumvit to 

genuine 

love 

motorbike 

the perceived 

enthusiasts 

freedom and 

just 

Road 

look 

and 

to the 

it’s prominently 

left before 

displayed. 

hitting quality 

premium 

finishes 

components 

and premium 

ensure 

components 

ensure the FE 501 meets 

the 

adventurous utility as well as the All Husqvarna motorbikes FE 501 meets the highest levels of 

: those who love the perceived Sukhumvit Road and it’s prominently 

more displayed. expensive than the average the FS highest 450 2018 levels of quality and 

sleek lines and high mechanical have to be imported, so they are quality and craftsmanship. 

freedom performance and adventurous capabilities utility of the 

as well very as the best sleek two-wheeled lines and high dream bike, All but Husqvarna then again, motorbikes 

riding a Husq-craftsmanshipvarna 

FORMIDABLE PERFORMANCE 

to be is imported, not really so about they riding are The ground-breaking chassis is 

mechanical machines performance from around capabilities 

the world. have In 

of the the world very of best grade-A two-wheeled motorbikes more just expensive a ‘bike’, than it’s about the average being part FS fitted 450 with 2018the most powerful Husq- 

dream the machines name Husqvarna from around has the been bike, a of but a lifestyle. then again, riding a Husqvarna 

is not 

FORMIDABLE 

varna 450 Supermoto PERFORMANCE 

engine ever 

world. 

standout 

In the world 

for more 

of grade-A 

than a century. 

motorbikes 

the name Husqvarna has a ‘bike’, it’s about being part of a fitted with the most powerful Husq- 

Owning 

really 

and 

about 

riding 

riding 

a Husqvarna 

is akin to a motorised version of single-overhead-cam 450 cc power 

just The 

developed. 

ground-breaking 

The 63 horsepower 

chassis is 

In Pattaya, the Husqvarna 

brand has been available for few a fashion statement. In some ways, plant is designed for optimal 

been years a standout but in recent for more times than the showroom 

has moved to a far more Husqvarna Owning costs, and riding then a Husq- 

you’re developed. chromoly steel The frame. 63 horsepower The func- 

a lifestyle. 

you have to ask how much a varna mass-centralization 450 Supermoto engine within ever the 

century. 

prominent In Pattaya, location, the Husqvarna just off Motorway 

varna asking is akin the to wrong a motorised question. version single-overhead-cam tional bodywork elevates 450 the cc riding pow- 

has 7 been on the available eastern for side a of a fashion Here statement. are just a In few some of the er experience plant is designed thanks to for accurately optimal 

brand 

few years Sukhumvit but in Road. recent times the ways, Husqvarna if you have models to ask available how much mass-centralization developed ergonomics within that focus the 

showroom has moved to a far a Husqvarna costs, then you’re chromoly steel frame. The functional 

more prominent location, just off asking the wrong question. 

bodywork elevates the riding ex- 

Motorway 7 on the eastern side of Here are just a few of the perience thanks to accurately developed 

Sukhumvit Road. 

Husqvarna models available 

ergonomics that focus on 

instilling on instilling rider confidence, rider confidence, complete 

control complete and control reduced and fatigue reduced 

fatigue 

701 SUPERMOTO 2018 

701 SUPERMOTO 2018 

THE ESSENCE OF RIDING 

THE With ESSENCE 74 hp, advanced OF RIDING electronics 

With and a 74 state-of-the-art hp, advanced chassis, electronics 

145 and kg 701 a state-of-the-art Supermoto captures chassis, 

the 

the 145 thrill kg of 701 the race Supermoto track and captures 

brings the the thrill pure of riding the race essence track and of 

brings 

Supermoto 

the 

to 

pure 

the 

riding 

street. 

essence of 

Check out the range of bikes 

Supermoto to the street. 

available 

Check out the range of 

bikes available Husqvarna Pattaya 

Husqvarna Pattaya 




THAILAND BUSINESS NEWS 

9 

Will the EU’s GDPR affect Thai companies? 

You have probably already been aware 

of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation 

(GDPR), most likely by way of a slew of emails 

from various companies that hold data about you, 

updating their data protection and privacy policies. 

The GDPR is intended to add extra data 

protection for EU citizens and to regulate data processing 

of any company, whether in or out of the 

EU, which holds data on EU Citizens. It came into 

force on May 25th 2018. 

Such companies could include airlines 

and hotel chains, some of which operate from 

Thailand. 

The GDPR is being taken seriously because 

companies that fail to adhere to the new 

regulations can face fines of up to 4% of their total 

revenue, which could be a huge amount. So much 

so, that European companies have rushed to comply, 

but where does it leave companies outside of 

the EU, such as those operating from Thailand. 

Hotel chains in Thailand welcomed the 

new rules saying that they would bolster confidence 

in their ability to hold data responsibly. 

In Thailand, in addition to the GDPR, 

there is already the local Personal Data Protection 

Act also in force. 

Although the EU’s GDPR was being assessed, 

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Krea-ngam, 

was quoted as saying, “If there is any impact on 

Thais, it would come from Thai law, not from EU law.” 

Thailand Mobile expo welcomed new 

Chinese Smartphones 

The Thailand Mobile Expo held recently at the 

Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, saw 

increased activity on the part of Chinese smartphone 

makers as they continue to move in to the 

Thai market rivalling the likes of Apple. 

New Chinese brands have been launched 

even in spite of the fact that the Thai market is already 

saturated and is likely to post a decline this 

year, though maybe not as large as in the previous 

year. In the current environment the only way to 

grow is to steal market share from competitors. 

Opas Chadpun, chief executive of M Vision 

Plc., organiser of the Thailand Mobile Expo 

was quoted as saying, “Nearly 50% of the smartphone 

market comes from the retail channel and 

the rest is through mobile operators so there is opportunity 

for new players, especially the Chinese 

brands.” 

New AI phones were on display which 

can detect objects in images and make clearer 

pictures, but apart from that, the lack of significant 

technological updates is one reason that people 

are holding back on upgrading their phones. 

Smartphones that were priced in the 

10,000 baht to 15,000 baht range proved popular. 

This is in contrast with Apple’s new offering that 

topped US$1000 or in excess of 30,000 Thai baht. 

U.S. Tariffs on Thai Steel and 

Aluminium being challenged 

After the announcement by U.S President 

Donald Trump that Steel and Aluminium tariffs 

would be introduced to protect American producers, 

the Thai Commerce Ministry is stepping 

up efforts to try to get Thailand exempted from the 

new ruling. 

A letter was drafted to the United States 

Trade Representative that requested exemption 

based on the fact that Thailand has a very low 

share (less than 1 per cent) of the U.S. Market. 

In the meantime the Association of Thai 

Cold Rolled Flat Steel (ATCF) said that Thai industry 

could lose up to 2.6 billion baht if the tariffs were 

to go ahead. 

There are hopes for possible exemption 

after some other countries, including Mexico, Canada 

and South Korea were already exempted. 

Thailand exported 23,572 tonnes of Steel 

and Aluminium to the U.S. worth 623 million baht 

in April alone. 

uPVC Windows & Doors for a Lifetime! 

Noise Reduction by “smart” Windows 

Installation and Service 

all over Thailand! 

081 – 377 4941 (EN) 

info@arc-windows-doors.com 

Double glazing Insulated glass with pvb 

laminated layer for heat- and noise reduction 

up to 45dB without impact on the lucency. 

uPVC frames fitted with a galvanized steel reinforcement 

provide the mechanical stability as well as the demanded 

contact pressure for the rubber gaskets. 

www.arc-windows-doors.com 



10 




NewspaperDirect Bangkok Gazette Pull-Out Section 

11 

Featured restaurants & pubs 

www.newspaperdirect-asia.com

12 


1 

2 3 

PROMOTE YOUR PLACE HERE 20 

0 

LOOKING TO PROMOTE YOUR RESTAURANT, PUB 

OR BAR AMONG THE EXPAT COMMUNITY? 

CALL US AT 02 651 3632 

OR REACH US VIA E-MAIL AT 

BANGKOK@NEWSPAPERDIRECT-THAILAND.COM 

TO FIND OUT HOW EASY AND INEXPENSIVE 

WE CAN HELP YOU RAISE AWARENESS FOR 

YOUR BUSINESS! 

19 

60 

18 

17 

15 

14 

16 



13 

4 

5 

6 

7 

8 

9 

Soi 16 

10 

13 12 11 


14 




15 

Only 3 Exclusive Villas Remaining! 

Just South of Pattaya, this exclusive small project 

is set among coconut trees. Privacy, Luxury and 

Top Quality are the keywords that come to mind. 

English, French, 

German, Dutch 

Thai 

Chinese 

Email: lex@thehuayyairiverside.com 

Thehuayyairiverside.com 

CHECK OUT 

OUR REVAMPED 

ONLINE 

EXPERIENCE 

www.Thailand-Business-Supplement.com 

facebook.com/ 

bangkokbizsupp 

facebook.com/ 

pattayabizsupp 



16 


SCAN 

THIS 

AREA 




17 

THAI RESTAURANT 

AFTER 6/1 BEACH ROAD 

Duck in spicy and sour soup 

Pot - stewed duck 

Duck with basil leaves 

Quail fried with black pepper 

Northeastern style salad 

with duck 

Spicy lemongrass soup 

with Guinea fowl 

Quail with garlic and pepper 

SCAN 

THIS 

AREA 

Homemade 

food at its best! 

All meals made using 

meats and veggies 

fresh from the owner’s 

organic farm 

: Moom Talay Thai Restaurant 

Beach Road, Pattaya, after Soi 6/1, Telephone: 038-362370, Fax: 038-362371 

e-mail: tirreno@ptty2.loxinfo.co.th, Reservations: 081-861 3446 



18 


Duplex Penthouse in the Sky 

32nd / 33rd Floors, 300 sqm 

Amari Residences Pattaya 

200 sqm inside, 100 sqm for the Terrace, Private Pool and Jacuzzi areas 

3 Bedrooms (one converted to a Walk-in Clothes Room) 

2 Large Bathrooms in addition to the Master Bathroom 

Guest Toilet on the ground floor 

3 High Speed Elevators 




19 

- In Foreign Name (brand new) 

- Furnishings and fittings to 

the highest standard throughout 

- Breathtaking views of Pattaya 

and Jomtien 

70 MB 


For more details contact : 

0846 7743 60 

Email: www.Thailand-Business-Supplement.com 

HighTowerPattaya@gmail.com

20 


FOREIGN CURRENCY UPDATE 

There has been a significant rise in 

the US Dollar’s value over the last month, with 

a rising interest rate outlook and political news 

mainly driving the move. The DXY Dollar index, 

(an index that measures the US Dollar’s valueagainst 

a number of other currencies), rose 

from a low of 90.26 to hit 94.01. Whether or not 

there will be continuation of the move remains 

to be seen. Against the Thai Baht, the Dollar 

advanced from 31.52 to 32.12, indicating that 

the pair may have bottomed in the short term. 

Any holder of British Pounds has suffered 

quite some pain over the last 4 weeks 

with the currency falling from its high of 1.4378 

back to 1.4050 then to 1.3720 then down quickly 

to 1.3310. This very large drop so far has no 

signs of stopping and it is interesting that whilst 

the dollar has strengthenedby some four per 

cent, the pound has dropped by over seven per 

cent, showing that the pound has suffered its 

own weakness. A hold on interest rates by the 

Bank of England has only helped to make the 

pound look less attractive. A technical rebound 

may occur but it is likely to be only a temporary 

move. Against the Thai baht the British Pound 

dropped from 44.01 to 42.80 

The US Dollar vs. Japanese Yen cross 

rate continues to rise moving from 107.61 to 

111.35 in short order, before dropping back to 

109.90. Much of this has to do with the U.S. 

Dollar’s rise rather than Yen weakness. This 

is evidenced by the fact that against the Thai 

baht, the rate for the Japanese Yen remaining 

relatively steady, moving from 0.291 to 0.292, 

a very tiny move indeed. 

The Russian Ruble has leveled of 

somewhat after last month’s volatility but still 

saw a measured leap from 61.80 to the US 

Dollar to 63.90 before dropping back to 61.70. 

Expect volatility to remain a possibility going 

forward. Against the Thai baht the Ruble 

dropped from 0.5088 to 0.4955 before regaining 

its poise to move to 0.5210. 

The Euro has taken quite a drubbing 

against the dollar and since the European currency 

makes up half the weighting of the dollar 

index this is to be expected, given the recent 

Dollar rise.The Euro has moved quite dramatically 

from 1.2240 to the U.S. Dollar all the way 

down to 117.06. The move happened in a continuous 

and relentless drip-drip fashion that 

would have frustrated Euro bulls. There may be 

a pause at 117.00 based on technical analysis, 

but a reversal is likely to be short lived, if it occurs 

at all. Against the Thai baht the Euro lost 

almost a full Baht’s worth of value falling from 

38.48 down to 37.56. 




21 

Vacant Prime Land 

On Bang Saray Main Road 

FOREIGN INVESTORS MOVE 

INTO THE BANGKOK OFFICE 

MARKET 

Next to Beach 

300 TW Approx 

80,000THB per TW 

(24Mb.) ONO 

According to real estate 

consulting firm JLL, interest in the 

Bangkok office sector on the part of 

foreign investors is high as they are 

keen to snap up Grade-A and other 

commercial office space based 

on increased rental returns and 

low supply. The investors typically 

come from the U.S. or Middle East 

as well as China and Singapore, 

and have a budget of between 3 

billion and 10 billion baht to invest 

in office buildings. The yield on offer 

in Bangkok outperforms other cities 

in Asia providing up to 7 per cent 

against only 2 to 3 percent in Hong 

Kong or Tokyo. 

Managing director of JLL 

Thailand, Suphin Mechuchep was 

quoted as saying, “Too small a 

scale may not be attractive for them 

as it is not worth the investment,” 

adding, “The size of a building 

should be 27,000 to 90,000 square 

meters, while the central business 

district locations and grade A property 

are their main focus. Mixed-use 

is better.” 

There are many ways 

in which office building owners in 

Bangkok can generate high yields 

from relatively low investment capital. 

Suphin Mechuchep was 

also quoted as saying, “With attractive 

yields and rising rents, no 

office landlords want to exit at the 

moment,” adding, “They also have 

other options like selling to a real 

estate investment trust where they 

can own one-third.” 

New buildings have been 

slow to come to market with only 

two new buildings completed in the 

last quarter providing a relatively 

small 36,141 square meters of 

office space. These were already 

occupied by their owners with the 

30,000 square meter Krungsri Ploenchit 

Tower on Ploenchit Road 

becoming the new headquarters 

for Bank of Ayudhya and the 6,141 

square meter Chia Thai building, 

close to BTS Bang Chak station, 

already owned by Charoen Pokphand 

Group. 

Thus the new free supply 

in the market was effectively zero, 

underpinning the supply crunch 

occurring currently. Total stock of 

office space stands at approx. 8.9 

million square meters, with only an 

8.7 per cent average vacancy rate, 

the lowest rate for 23 years. 

New absorption in the last 

quarter came in at 83,208 square 

meters indicating rising demand 

for both grade-A office space and 

also non-prime buildings. It appears 

there is a stronger demand for 

grade–A buildings with the vacancy 

rate in this sector standing at just 

6.1 per cent, lower than the overall 

market average. 

Recently completed buildings 

were occupied very quickly as 

it seems that a newly built Grade-A 

office building is becoming a rarity 

of late. Grade-B and Grade-C buildings 

saw their vacancy rates drop to 

just 9.7 per cent, also a long-term 

low. 

Rental rates are likely to 

rise between three and five per cent 

over the coming years as demand 

continues to be healthy. 

M: 084 677 4360 E: Hightowerpattaya@gmail.com 

Do you provide free WiFi 

to your guests? 

Do you need to comply with data collection laws? 

Connect2Social provides affordable legally compliant 

intelligent business software that captures valuable 

customer data. 

Guests help promote your business through social media, 

and the customer data can be used to directly market 

special promotions, upcoming events and to reward loyalty. 

Perfect for Hotels, Restaurants, Cafes, Bars, Retail outlets, 

Salons and Shopping Malls. In fact any business that 

interacts with customers. 

You can now enjoy the same 

data collected by online 

businesses to help you remain 

connected to your customers 

and drive repeat business. 

For more information, visit our website 

www.connect2social.com or contact us 

at sales@connect2social.com 



22 


SUDOKU 

These Sudoku puzzles are pitched at a middle level: not too easy, 

and not too frustratingly hard, for the average person. 

We will publish the solutions in next month’s issue. 

Last months sudoku answers 

CROSSWORD 

ACROSS 

DOWN 

1/ Bizarre individual (9) 

1/First-Class (9) 

5/Foreigner in Thailand (5) 

2/Illegal Act (5) 

6/Papua New Guinea town (3) 

3/Rule (5) 

7/Latin American dance (5) 

4/Adapt (7) 

8/Display of temper (7) 

5/Aerial (7) 

9/ Tourism Authority of Thailand init. (3) 

10/Stroll (5) 

1 

2 

3 

5 

4 

TRIVIA Quiz 

1. What does the letter ‘r’ stand for in the word ‘laser’? 

2. With which African country would you associate the former inde 

pendence military and political group called 

Frelimo? 

3. There are four states of the United States which are known as 

‘commonwealths’. Which one was not one of the original 13 states 

of the US? 

4. The Chippewa tribe of North American Indians call one of the 

great lakes ‘Gitchigoomee’. Which one? 

5. Famous for playing the role of Superman in a TV series, George 

Reeves’ first acting role came in which iconic 1939 film? 

6. In what country would you find the East Alligator River? 

7. Harlan Coben is an American author whose mystery thrillers include 

a series about a former basketball star named who? 

6 

7 

8. The song Me & Bobby McGee was written by which American 

country music singer/songwriter and actor? 

9. By what other name does the sea mammal the dugong go by? 

8 

10. What was the first major sea battle to take place in which the 

opposing fleets never sighted each other? 

Answers 

1. radiation 2. Mozambique 3. Kentucky 4. Lake Superior 5. Gone With the Wind 6. Australia (Northern Territory) 7. 

Myron Bolitar 8. Kris Kristofferson 9. Manatee 10. Battle of the Coral Sea, 1942. 

9 

CROSSWORD ANSWERS 

ACROSS 1/Eccentric 5/Alien 6/Lae 7/Tango 8/Tantrum 9/TAT 10/Amble 

DOWN 1/Excellent 2/Crime 3/Reign 4/Conform 5/Antenna 

For information on the BANGKOK BUSINESS SUPPLEMENT Contact High Tower Co., Ltd. Tel: 089 249 2778 

*The Bangkok Business Supplement is published by High Tower Co., Ltd.


23 

CELEBRATE THE END OF THE MONTH 

WITH A LAVISH BRUNCH 

AT BANGKOK TRADING POST ON SUKHUMVIT SOI 39 

than over some of the finest food and wine available 

on a relaxing Sunday afternoon at Bangkok 

Trading Post.” 

The perfect brunch experience would not be complete 

without some music to add to the fun and 

family-friendly ambiance, and a live band will be 

performing on the mezzanine level of the restaurant. 

Brunch at Bangkok Trading Post will take 

place on 24 June, 22 July, 26 August, ?30 September, 

28 October, 25 November and 2, 9 and 

16 December between 12 noon and 3 p.m. 

The price of the Brunch at Bangkok Trading Post 

is THB 2,900++ per person. There is a 50% discount 

for children aged between 6 and 12, and 

those under the age of 6 can enjoy the brunch 

with their parents free of charge. 

As space is limited, be sure to book your table 

at Bangkok Trading Posts’ monthly feast well in 

advance. 

If it’s the last Sunday of the month, then 

it is time to get your closest friends and family together 

and head to 137 Pillars Suites & Residences 

Bangkok on Sukhumvit Soi 39 to celebrate the 

end of the month with an almighty feast! 

The hotel, a member of Small Luxury 

Hotels of the World, is offering a free flow of bubbles, 

red and white wine from Australia’s world-famous 

Yalumba winery together with sumptuous 

food of the highest quality such as scallops, crab, 

lobsters, oysters, wagyu beef, lamb, foie gras, 

tuna, salmon and so very much more. 

Yalumba is one of Australia’s oldest and most 

celebrated wineries. Located near the town of Angaston 

in the Barossa Valley wine region of South 

Australia, Yalumba’s first grapevines were planted 

in1849 and the first wine produced in 1853. The 

family owned winery is also one of only four wineries 

around the world to have its own cooperage, 

highlighting the family’s dedication to the craft of 

winemaking. 

Mr. Bjorn Richardson, General Manager, 

137 Pillars Suites & Residences Bangkok, 

said, “Today many of us spend too much of our 

valuable time absorbed in work, looking at our laptops, 

mobile phones and other devices. It is vital 

that we, as social beings, do not forget how important 

those closest to us are. Spending time with 

friends and family are the most precious of moments, 

and where better to spend time together 

For more information and reservation enquiries, 

please contact 137 Pillars Suites & Residences 

Bangkok 

Tel: +66 (0) 631876209 

Email: benchamaporn@137pillarsbangkok.com 

Website: www.137pillarsbangkok.com 

CHINESE COMPANIES KEEN TO EXPAND 

INTO THAILAND 


According to a report called “China12: China’s 

Cities Go Global”, prepared by property consulting 

experts JLL, Bangkok is increasingly becoming a 

destination of choice for mainland Chinese companies. 

The report comprised three separate indices, 

“real estate investment”, “corporate footprint” and “office 

leasing activity”. 

Out of all the overseas cities that Chinese 

companies have leased property in over the last three 

years, Bangkok came in at 3rd place ahead of Sydney 

and Moscow. In terms of providing a corporate 

footprint Bangkok came in at 10th place with Singapore, 

London, Tokyo and New York topping the list. 

Jeremy Kelly, director of global research at 

JLL, was quoted as saying, “The China 12 are home 

to a growing group of highly dynamic and ambitious 

new generation firms that will drive the next wave of 

globalization,” adding, “We’re already seeing a higher 

number of domestic brands, both established firms 

and startups, enter the international market, with key 

targets in South and Southeast Asia.” 

Chinese companies are becoming more 

and more internationalized and the spread of mainland 

corporations to global cities is good evidence 

of this. Most corporations increase their footprint by 

acquiring overseas companies or by making investments 

in technologies that will lead to expansion in 

the target countries. 

Chinese corporations cannot be underestimated 

in terms of their size. The size of Tencent, 

Baidu and Alibaba are starting to become comparable 

to Facebook, Google and Amazon. As well, 

hardware manufacturers ZTE, Huawei and Lenovo 

are strong competitors to major US and European 

brands. Indeed ZTE has hit the headlines with the 

U.S. President intervening in current issues with the 

company. 

In terms of direct real estate investment 

New York heads up the list, indicating possibly the 

higher prices of commercial property in the city. London, 

Sydney and Tokyo rounded out the next 3 spots 

also with high property prices. Bangkok was not in 

the top ten for that index, possibly due to lower real 

estate prices but also due to the fact that leasing 

is the more likely route to the commercial property 

market, evidenced by Bangkok’s high position in the 

leasing index. 

Asian cities including New Delhi, Seoul, 

Singapore and Tokyo also feature in the top 10 spots 

for all three indices. 

Mr. Kelly was also quoted as saying, “We’ve 

seen some of China’s most prominent firms show major 

interest in startups in India, Indonesia and Singapore 

as they seek to gain a foothold in these booming 

economies. E-commerce and consumer electronics 

firms, in particular, are starting to gain strong market 

shares in some of these markets.” 

Many Asian cities are expected to benefit 

from the increased interest of Chinese corporations 

with Bangkok likely to climb higher in the indices in 

future. 


24

BBS JUNE 18

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?