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ISSUE 3/2021
DIGITAL NEWSLETTER
MTCC
MTCC Dinner Talk and Networking
Evening on the
“Rise of the Phoenix”
The Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) organized
the “Rise of the Phoenix” Dinner Talk and Networking
Evening supported by Maybank Securities (Thailand) PCL on
Thursday, 9 December 2021 at Shangri-la Hotel Bangkok.
The guest speaker, Ms. Maria Brenda S. Lapiz, Managing
Director and Head of Institutional Research at Maybank
Securities (Thailand) PLC shared her valuable insights on this
topic. The ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Thailand
H.E. Dato Jojie Samuel, attended the event as honorary
guest and this event was well attended by representatives
from various foreign business chambers in Thailand, as well
as many of MTCC’s Thai and Malaysian friends.
Thanks to our sponsors and all attendees for making our first
in-person event in 2021 a success.
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CONTENTS
Chairman's message
All Createe Land Co.,Ltd.
Bangkok Genetic Co., Ltd.
DeeMoney (Sawasdee Shop Co., Ltd.)
Pacific Rim Rich Group Co., Ltd.
Quantum Metal Thailand Co.,Ltd
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited
RHB BANK BERHAD
RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL.
MTCC Activities :
Indochina Malaysian Business Chambers
E-Summit 2021
MTCC Activities : The collaboration of
vaccination campaign with Vimut
Hospital and MTCC Webinar
MTCC Activities : 2 nd Asian
Inter-Chamber Golf Challenge 2021
MTCC Activities: 39 th Annual Seminar
of Thai Chambers of Commerce
- Multi Chamber Networking Night
MTCC CSR Activity 2021
CSR Activity:AAPICO Group’s 5 Million
Baht Medical Funds Donation to
Srithanya Hospital in a Combat
Against the COVID-19 Crisis
CSR Activity: Best Plastics Technology
CSR Project
MTCC - COAC - Post Flood Rebuilding
Initiative
Charting the Way Forward: Exploring
investment opportunities in the US,
the world's economic powerhouse
Workers’ Compensation for Employees
Who Catch COVID-19 at Work
Quantum Metal Thailand Press
Release
Thailand: Moderate growth in 3Q21
Thailand: Muted growth in economic
activities in September
Summary of Malaysia’s Trade Performance
(September 2020/2021)
Thailand’s BOI Revamps Promoted
Digital Activities
Thailand’s SEC to Support Public
Fundraising for SMEs and Startups
A new way to school for our children:
staying safe in the new normal
Thailand and Malaysia Event Calender
Chairman’s Message
Patron
H.E. Dato' Jojie Samuel
Ambassador of Malaysia
to the Kingdom of Thailand
Advisors
Ms. Nadia Sapee,
Economic Counsellor
Mr. Norman Dzulkarnain Bin Mohd Nasri,
Trade Commissioner (MATRADE)
Mr. Hairuddin Bin Maslan
Counsellor (Agriculture)
Honorary Board of Directors
Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan - Hon. Chairman
Mr. Daniel Soh - Hon. Director
Mr. Khew Ham Hoe - Hon. Director
Mr. Supasak Chirasavinuprapand - Hon. Director
Board of Directors
Dr. Hwee Khim Boo - Chairman
Mr. Yap Choon Eng - Deputy Chairman and
Treasurer
Mr. Pranart Sarnvivad - Secretary
Mr. Halmi bin Mohd Salim
Mr. Leong Keh Soon
Ms. Low Giin Lan
Mr. Raymond Chee
Ms. Rungnapa Chinvigai
Ms. Sher Hann Chua
Ms. Susan Lim
Mr. Ten Voon Teng
Ms. Woan Na Ng
Committee Members
Ms. LuYing Yap
Mr. M Khairuddin B Suradi
Mr. Ong Shen Ting
Year 2021 is coming to its end.
Many of us are happy that the rate of
Covid-19 infection is improving after
the third wave of infections swept
across the country earlier the year.
The vaccination rollout appears to
be the key contributor to curbing the
spread of the virus. While we
appear to be in a better position
today than where we were during
the last three quarters, I urge everyone
to stay vigilant and to continue
taking all necessary precautions,
especially with the recent news of
the Omicron variant
As like in many countries, Thailand is easing up the quarantine
requirements to promote inbound travelling. As tourism is one of the
main GDP contributors, the Thai government is hoping that the
easing of travelling requirements will attract more people to travel to
Thailand in the year end. This is a positive step for economic recovery..
Thailand is expecting a 0.5-1.5% GDP growth. As of the third
quarter of 2021, export figures are up by 12-14%. The foreign investment
indices surveyed by the University of Thai Chamber of Commerce
suggest more foreign confidence in Thailand in general.
With the help of the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Joint Foreign
Chambers of Commerce, MTCC managed to secure more than two
hundred vaccine shots for our members and other Malaysians in
Thailand. With social distancing practices in place, the Board of
Directors continued to meet every month virtually. Our seminar committee
continued to organize business webinars for our members.
We also participated in a couple of meaningful CSR projects by
raising funds to buy necessities for the needy, and to procure medical
equipment for hospitals. I would like to thank you personally for
your support in these worthy causes.
I hope your business has weathered the storm and is coming out
with a positive outlook. If we all are cautious and follow the new
normal practice, we will be able to fight this lingering pandemic
together.
Finally, thank you all for the continuous support and I wish all members
a better year ahead. Please stay connected with us via our
Facebook page, LINE page and through email for the latest development
in MTCC’s news and activities.
Administrator
Ms. Siriporn Wongchanglor
| NEW MEMBERS
All Createe Land Co.,Ltd.
Address : No. 108/38-40 Moo1, Thawiratphakdi Rd.
Bophut, Koh Samui,
Surat Thani 84320, THAILAND
Tel : (66)77 424-043, (66)63 421-1303
E-mail : alexfang@allcreatee.com
Website : www.allcreatee.com
Chamber Representative:
Mr. Fang Hooi Teik, Alex. CEO
Company Backgroud :
All Createe Land was established in 2017. The company is now the
leading real estate developer in Koh Samui. The current on-going
project is "The Legend-Luxury Seaview Villas" which is the largest
detached villas project in Koh Samui, Thailand. We have successfully
completed and delivered a few villas which include The
Skyline Luxury Seaview villas located in Chaweng hill, Koh Samui.
We shall look forward to obtaining more beautiful land banks,
developing and managing more luxury villas’ projects in the
island.
Nature of Business:
Property Development & Property Management
Product / Services:
Luxury Seaview Villas, Beachfront Villas
Bangkok Genetic Co., Ltd.
Address : 10/100 The Trendy Building,
7th FL.Soi Sukhumvit13(Sangchan),
Sukhumvur Rd.,Klongton-nua, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
Tel : (66)2 021 5870
Website : https://bangkokgene.com/
Chamber Representative:
Mr. Choy Hong Yang – Managing Director
The results from BangkokGene Genetic Testing Program can help
you predict future health problem, manage your health, and the
health of your loved ones. With an understanding of your genetic
profile, you can also identify lifestyle, dietary or other specific
interventions that is most suitable for you to mitigate the
risk of disease and live a longer, healthier life.
Company Backgroud :
Bangkok Genetic Company Limited is an exclusive distributor
of Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Berhad (MGRC)
provides genome sequencing and analysis, and genetic
screening services. We promote an extensive range of
genetic testing and personalized health programs for
people with genetic conditions in Bangkok, Thailand.
We introduced BangkokGene Genetic Testing Program, a
comprehensiverange of genetic testing that designed to
screen DNA for known genetic markers. These markers are
associated with diseases or disorders such as cardiovascular
diseases, metabolic disorders, cancers and even developmental
disorders.
l 3 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| NEW MEMBERS
DeeMoney (Sawasdee Shop Co., Ltd.)
Address : 168 Soi Sukhumvit 8, Khwaeng Khlong Toei,
K het Khlong Toei, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10110
Tel : (66) 26 969-599 Fax : (66) 26 616-587
E-mail : support@dee.money
Website : https://deemoney.com/
Nature of Business:
Financial Services/Financial Technology,
Mobile App Finance Solutions
Product / Services:
Proprietary Financial Platform/Services with mobile and
web application, Remittance service.
years of experience successfully running businesses that challenged the
status quo in the telecom industry through innovative product offering
in the VoIP industry. The company received the Non-Bank International
Money Remittance Service License, E-Payment Service License, and the
Authorized Money Changer License from the Bank of Thailand in 2017.
Chamber Representative:
Company Backgroud :
DeeMoney is Thailand’s leading and fastest-growing Fintech
specializing in cross-border payments. DeeMoney was
launched in 2018 by Mr. Aswin Phlaphongphanich and Ms.
Rasmegh Srisethi who are entrepreneurs with more than 20
Mr. Daud Charles
Chief Marketing Officer
Mr.Deepankar Panjabi
Chief Marketing Officer
Address: 2 Praditmanuthum Road,
Tareang, Bangkhen, Bangkok 1230
Tel : (66)2-943-6080 Fax : (66)2-943-6087
E-mail : chomchan@prichgroup.com
Website : http://www.prichgroup.com
Nature of Business: Construction & Engineering
Product / Services:
1. Engineering Design and Construction for Industrial Plants.
2. Machinery Representation
3.Construction Service
Company Backgroud :
Pacific Rim Rich Group Co.,Ltd. (PRich) is an engineering and
construction company operates in the three key strategic
direction as follows:
1.Engineering Design and Construction for Industrial Plants.
PRich acts as the provider of design and engineering consulting
service, project management services, equipment and
processing facilities and construction work. The scope it offers
covers any one of these services separately, through to
complete turnkey projects. It has expertise in vary industries
with references and involves in mineral processing and
agricultural product processing technology. Mineral Processing
Technology: dry mortar plant, sand preparation plant
including for glass and foundry operations, plaster board
plant, concrete roof tile plant. Agricultural Product Processing
Pacific Rim Rich Group Co., Ltd.
Technology: food processing, animal feed. beverages, tapioca
processing.
2.Machinery Representation
PRich is the exclusive agent of Maschinefabrik Gustav Eirich, a
Germany machinery manufacturer on mixing, grinding, pelletizing,
and granulating technology for the building materials, glass, refractory,
environment protection and ceramic industries, and non-exclusive
agent for a number of European machinery manufacturers mostly for
mineral processing technology.
3. Construction Service
PRich provides construction services to both private and
government construction project, covering building, school,
university, hospital, factories, interior finishing and landscaping.
Chamber Representative:
Dr. Supareak Charlie Chomchan
l 4 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| MEMBER’S PROFILE
Quantum Metal Thailand Co.,Ltd
Address : 1-7, Level 8 Zuellig House Building, Silom Road,
Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500, Thailand
Tel : +66 (0)2231 8313
E-mail : info-th@quantummetal.com
Website : www.qmthai.co.th
Chamber Representative:
Mr. Jonathan S.
Nature of Business:
E-Commerce/ Financial Digital Gold Assets
Product / Services:
Quantum Metal Thailand offer you an e-commerce financial
digital gold platform that enables you to create a business
portfolio in gold and allows you to buy and sell at anytime,
anywhere. As one most advance player in the market, our
platform has grown to help corporate companies, small
medium enterprise in offering business solution and create a
better trade connectivity between Malaysia and Thailand.
Company Backgroud :
Quantum Metal Thai was founded by a visionary management team
who desire to touch each individual life to achieve financial f reedom
and helping businesses to grow. QM-Thai was registered in Thailand in
Year 2020 where the group Quantum Metal was founded since 2012.
Quantum Metal is one of the largest financial digital gold providers in
Asia and has strong business partnership with Perth Mint, ABC Bullions
and Malaysia Banks. Quantum Metal business offers 99.99% premium
gold products to more than 8 other Asian countries and the supplies
includes government bodies, banks, and financial institutions. As part of
the business mission, the company aims to provide offers and solution
to Thailand community in creating business opportunity, jobs, and
value creation.
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited
Address: 973 President Tower, 12th Floor, Units 12A - 12F
Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan
Bangkok 10330, Thailand
Tel : + 66 (0) 2656 1991 Fax : + 66 (0) 2656 0833
E-mail : sui.lin.teoh@rajahtann.com
Website : th.rajahtannasia.com
Nature of Business : Law Firm
Affiliates:
Rajah & Tann LLP (Singapore)
R&T Asia (Thailand) Limited (Thailand)
R&T Sok & Heng Law Office (Cambodia)
Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP Shanghai Representative Office
(China)
Assegaf Hamzah & Partners (Indonesia)
Rajah & Tann (Laos) Sole Co., Ltd. (Laos)
Christopher & Lee Ong (Malaysia)
Rajah & Tann NK Legal Myanmar Company Limited (Myanmar)
Rajah & Tann LCT Lawyers Ho Chi Minh City Office (Vietnam)
Gatmaytan Yap Patacsil Gutierrez&Protacio (C&G LAW)
(Philippines)
Company Backgroud :
Rajah & Tann Asia has more than 600 lawyers across ten
countries in Asia.
With offices in Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar,
the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and a
representative office in Shanghai, we have brought together leading
law firms and lawyers to create unified, coherent, and authentically
Asian legal services throughout the region. In short, we are Lawyers
who know Asia.
The Thai office of Rajah & Tann has more than 50 lawyers and is a
full-service firm with a deep breadth of knowledge and experience, as
well as an impressive base of international, regional and local clients.
Led by managing partner and former judge, Surasak Vajasit, we
advise on the following areas:
• Banking and Finance
• Commercial Litigation and
Dispute Resolution
• Competition & Anti-Trust • Customs and Trade
• Corporate and M&A (including Capital Markets)
• Employment & Benefits • Foreign Direct Investment
Chamber Representative:
Ms. Sui Lin Teoh
l 5 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| MEMBER’S PROFILE
RHB BANK BERHAD
- Bangkok Branch
15 Fl./18 Fl. M Thai Tower, All Seasons Place,
87 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330
Tel: +66 (0) 2 126-8600 Fax: +66 (0) 2 126-8601
- Sriracha Branch
99 Sukhumvit Road, Aumpoe Sriracha, Chonburi 20110
Tel: +66 (0) 38 324-844/46 Fax: +66 (0) 38 324-847
- Ayutthaya Branch
99/8 Pornsiamphum Building 2-3 floor,Rojana Road,
Tumbol Khanham, Aumpoe U-Thai, Ayutthaya 13210
Tel: +66 (0) 35 745-571/73 Fax: +66 (0) 35 745-574
E-mail :
yuraporn.c@rhbgroup.com
piyanat.a@rhbgroup.com
Website : www.rhbgroup.com
Nature of Business: Commercial Banking
Product / Services:
Loans/Deposits/Trade Finance/Remittances/ Foreign Exchange
The Bank provides uniquely customized financial products and personalized
services to our diversified portfolio of customers, ranging from
loans and deposits, to trade finance and other services, such as foreign
exchange and remittance via the branches strategically located at
Bangkok, Sriracha and Ayutthaya.
Being part of the RHB Banking Group, one of Malaysia’s largest fully
integrated financial services groups with regional presence, customers
can tap on our ability to gain local insights, knowledge and expertise
across the 9 ASEAN countries in which we operate including Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand
and Vietnam. The Group has won numerous banking awards and
recognition; lending credence to its relentless pursuit of excellence to
serve its customers well.
RHB Bank Berhad Thailand is committed to help
companies grow with the best financial solutions and
advice, and generate long-term sustainable returns for
customers and our stakeholders.
Company Backgroud :
Since inception in 1964, RHB Bank Berhad Thailand has been
well established with a strong footing as a fully licensed
commercial bank to serve the local Thai corporates as well as
international investors in the Kingdom of Thailand.
Chamber Representative :
Deputy Chief Executive Officer :
Ms Jasmine Tan Siew Ming
Head, Country Operations :
Ms. Yuraporn Chinprasert
Mr. Piyanat Aranyakasemsuke
Chief Executive Officer
8th &10th Floor, Sathorn Square Office Tower,
98 North Sathorn Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500
Tel : +66 (0) 2088 9999 Fax : +66 (0) 2108 0999
E-mail: rassamee.co@rhbgroup.com
Website: www.th.rhbtradesmart.com
Nature of Business :RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL provides a
spectrum of financial services for retail, corporate and institutional
investors. It is a member of the Stock Exchange of
Thailand (SET) , MAI (Market for Alternative Investment), Thai
BMA (Thai Bond Market Association) and TFEX (Thailand
Futures Exchange).
Product / Services :
- Securities and Derivatives Broking
- Margin Financing
- Corporate Advisory ,
Capital raising and Underwriting
- Derivatives & Structured Products
Company Backgroud :
RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL is part of the RHB Banking
Group, one of Malaysia’s largest financial services groups with
an asset base of over RM 236 billion (c.USD 59 billion) and
roots reaching back to over 100 years of service.
RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL.
RHB Banking Group aims for a leading position in each market
segment that it is involved in, with regional coordination and multiproduct/multimarket
access.It aims to further build on its achievements
and catalyze the Group’s transformation into a regional powerhouse.
At the same time, it envisions to multiply value for its clients
and shareholders.
RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL formerly known as RHB OSK Securities
(Thailand),came into being with the acquisition of BFIT Securities
Public Company Limited by OSK Investment Bank Berhad (“OSKIB”) in
July 2011. Thereafter RHB Investment Bank, RHB Banking Group’s
Investment banking arm, merged with OSKIB with the aim to build a
leading regional corporate and investment bank.
RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL is a growing Investment Bank and a
brokerage house which has expanded its presence by opening 10
branches in Thailand. It ranked 2nd position in 2015 and 3rd in 2014
for the Most Active Prop Trader by TFEX at the TFEX Best Awards. It
has also been recognized for its research and ranked 5th for Overall
Country Research in 2014, and has been adjudged as the 3rd best
Brokerage for Thailand for the year 2015 by Asia Money.
Chamber Representative:
Mr. Sim Seng Tey - Chief Executive Officer
l 6 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
By Ng Woan Na
| MTCC ACTIVITIES
MTCC participated in the Indochina Malaysian Business
Chambers (MBCs) E-Summit on 30 August 2021. This
digital forum has brought together the Malaysia External
Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE), diplomatic
representatives and panelist speakers of business
chambers from five countries (Cambodia, Lao PDR,
Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam). This session involved
discussions on the latest economic outlook, areas of
key business opportunities and potential avenues of
collaboration and synergies to be explored between
MBCs across the Indochina region.
As the representative speaker of MTCC, Ng Woan Na
highlighted 12 targeted industries under Thailand 4.0
Policy and key investment opportunities – with particular
emphasis on development of the Eastern Economic
Corridor, the current most important flagship project of
the Thai government. In the context of COVID-19, MTCC
discussed Thailand’s economy projection and major
factors contributing to the recovery of Thai economy.
A focus discussion was made on areas of possible
collaboration between MBCs in capturing business
opportunities across Indochina Region. In addressing
this topic, reference was made to an existing and operational
model (i.e. the ASEAN Economic Community
(AEC) framework), in terms of the extent of economic
integration achieved between ASEAN member states
through the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) platform as
established under the AEC framework, and how collaboration
between MBCs could mitigate the loopholes
relating thereto (e.g. low utilization rate of AFTA as many
companies were unaware of how to apply for tariff preferences).
To achieve an effective collaboration between MBCs,
MTCC proposed amongst others, an establishment of
Joint Comprehensive Committee, a uniformed body
overseeing the degree of economic integration between
ASEAN member states and reporting such progress to
MATRADE for their further liaison with Association of
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The said Committee
will conduct important roles (e.g. trade consultation and
facilitation). On trade facilitation, attention was made to
a research conducted by Bank of Ayudhya (commonly
known as Krungsri Bank) on factors in enhancing a
country’s sectoral potential to which the level of participation
and activities’ position in global supply chain (i.e.
supply chain strategy) was found to be the most important
factor, thus highlighting the potential collaboration
among member states in the regional supply chain.
On MBCs’ collaboration from the Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) perspective, MTCC
proposed to set up an ASEAN representative office in
the key partners of RCEP countries (i.e. China, Japan,
Korea, Australia and New Zealand) in order to help
Malaysian companies integrate into their markets,
promote collaboration and tap into investments in third
countries.
This session was followed by an active Q&A session
that was highly appreciated and drew much engagement
from the attendees.
l 7 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| MTCC ACTIVITIES
Along with a few other foreign chambers in Thailand, Dr. Khim Boo represented MTCC to thank Vimut Hospital for
the collaboration in the vaccination campaign for our members. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the
Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce for coordinating with MTCC on the vaccination efforts.
Present for the meeting were representatives from the Singapore-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Italian-Thai Chamber
of Commerce, Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand, Brazil-Thai
Chamber of Commerce, Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the Taiwan Trade Association.
The Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC), supported by the Embassy of Malaysia in Thailand and the
Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) Bangkok, successfully held a webinar entitled
“Thailand Investment Opportunity & Eastern Economic Corridor” on Thursday 23 September 2021 via Zoom.
Two prominent guest speakers, Mr. Punlop Punyasiri, Director of Thai Enterprise Development Division at Thailand
Board of Investment, and Mr. Hiran Rujirawirote, Deputy Director of International Affairs Division at Eastern Economic
Corridor Office of Thailand shared valuable insights with the participants on the investment opportunities
available in the region. The event was moderated by MTCC Director Sher Hann Chua, and was graced by the presence
of the Ambassador of Malaysia to the Kingdom of Thailand, Dato’ Jojie Samuel.
l 8 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| MTCC ACTIVITIES
The Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) organized a webinar entitled “Crowdfunding: An Alternative
Financing Option for SMEs” on Friday, 15 October 2021 via Zoom. The webinar featured guest speakers, Mr.
Varun Bhandari, Country Head at Funding Societies Thailand, and Mr. Damien Kerneis, Co-Founder of Siam Car
Deal, who shared their experience and expertise in the crowdfunding sphere with all attendees.
The Malaysian-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) organized a webinar entitled “Hormone Boosting & Replacement
Therapy : returning your youth, power, brains & beauty” on Friday, 12 November 2021 via Zoom. The guest
speaker and medical expert, Dr. Erik Fleischman, Executive Medical Director at Bangkok Anti-Aging Center
(BAAC) shared his valuable insights on how to stay vibrant and how to maintain an active lifestyle.
Guests also participated in lucky draw contests sponsored by Bangkok Anti-Aging Center (BAAC) and Nature Hut.
l 9 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
By Halmi bin Mohd Salim
| MTCC ACTIVITIES
Background
In 2020, the Malaysian-Thai Chamber
of Commerce (MTCC) Sports Committee
initiated the idea to organize an
annual golf event involving the Asian
Chambers of Commerce registered
under the Chamber of Commerce Act
B.E. 2509. MTCC discussed the idea
with the Singapore-Thai Chambers of
Commerce (STCC) and the Indonesia
Thai Chamber of Commerce (INTCC),
and the three Chambers of Commerce
became co-founders of the Asian
Inter-Chamber Golf Challenge which
had its inaugural event introduced in
2020. As co-founders, MTCC, STCC
and INTCC will take turns to host the first three editions of the challenge, after which the hosting duties will be
delegated on an alphabetical order, according to the Asian Chambers of Commerce involved.
There are 12 Asian Chambers of Commerce registered under the Chambers of Commerce Act B.E. 2509,
namely MTCC, STCC, INTCC, Thai-Hongkong Trade Association (THKTA), Korean-Thai Chamber of Commerce,
Japanese Chamber of Commerce Bangkok, Thai-Sri Langka Chamber of Commerce, Thai-Chinese
Chamber of Commerce, Thai-Pakistan Chambers of Commerce, India-Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai-Taiwan
Business Association, Thai-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (TBCC), Thai Chamber of Commerce and the
Board of Trade of Thailand. For the inaugural Asian Inter-Chamber Golf Challenge in 2020 , MTCC emerged as
the Overall Champion.The 1st runner up was the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the 2nd runner up
was the Thai-Hongkong Trade Association.
2 nd Asian Inter-Chamber Golf Challenge 2021
On 17th November 2021, STCC organized the 2nd
Asian Inter-Chamber Golf Challenge 2021 at the Alpine
Golf Club in Pathum Thani. MTCC invited H.E. Dato
Jojie Samuel, the Malaysian Ambassador to the Kingdom
of Thailand as our Guest of Honor, and the event
was also graced by the presence of H.E. the Indonesian
Ambassador to Thailand, Mr Rachmat Budiman.
MTCC was represented by a total of 18 players at the
challenge, which attracted more than 100 participants.
This year, MTCC lost to the hosts, STCC, by one point,
and took home the 1st Runner Up trophy. MTCC’s best
4 players whose scores counted towards the overall
score tally was Mr Lim Wee Pin, Mr Daniel Soh, Brig.
General Samsul Rizal and Captain Josh Nazri. Congratulation
to all winners and congratulations also to STCC
for being such great hosts, as well as earning the title of
Overall Champion for this year. MTCC would like to
thank all parties involved, with special thanks to H.E.
Dato Jojie Samuel and to the Organizing Committee.
MTCC also thanks our sponsor for the team jersey, caps
and face masks for the participants
l 10 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| MTCC ACTIVITIES
MTCC Chairwoman Dr. Hwee Khim Boo, along with JFCCT President and Vice Presidents, participated
in the 39 th Annual Seminar of Thai Chambers of Commerce “Connect the Dots DESIGN THE FUTURE”
during 20 th – 21 st November 2021 at the Central Hall of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce.
Featured speakers and honorary guests included General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister, Mr Supattanapong
Punmeechaow, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy, and Mr Jurin Laksanawisit,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce.
MTCC was a part of the "Multi Chambers Networking Night" organized by the Singapore-Thai Chamber
of Commerce and jointly supported by various foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand on Tuesday, 14
December 2021 at Lancaster Bangkok.
MTCC members attended the event and enjoyed a delightful time together. Guests also participated in
lucky draw contests, and walked away with many other great prizes that evening.
l 11 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| CSR ACTIVITIES
By VT Ten
The MTCC Board of Directors continues its efforts in improving the condition of MTCC’s adopted school, Wat
Krachaeng School in Ayudhaya. This year, MTCC’s efforts are focused on the improvement of toilet facilities at the
school, with a budget of THB 180,000.00 donated by members of MTCC in April 2021.
MTCC attended the donation of food and survival kits at the Food For Fighters program on 7th August 2021. The
Project was spearheaded by STCC and it took great effort to have the 5,400 packets of food and survival kits
delivered to the packaging center, packed and then loaded onto trucks for deliveries to the different destinations.
MTCC attended the distribution event at the Chula Alumni HQ where the Food For Fighters (FFF) program is
headquartered. 1,800 packets of food, rice and survival kits were distributed there. MTCC also attended the
distribution event at the Khu Kroh Police Station at Ramindra Road area on 10th August 2021. 300 sets of foods,
rice and survival kits were distributed on that day.
l 12 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| CSR ACTIVITIES
On 20 th September 2021, MTCC again joined hands with STCC in donating 10 units of oxygen generators to Sirindhorn
Hospital in LardKrabang to alleviate the shortage of supplying oxygen to Covid-19 patients. The handing over
ceremony was attended by MTCC Chairwoman Dr. Khim Boo, MTCC Directors and STCC Chairman Mr. Alan Lim.
| CSR ACTIVITIES
On 28th July 2021, Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan, the
President and CEO of AAPICO Hitech Public
Company Limited, together with AAPICO representatives,
donated 5 million Thai Baht as funds
for the procurement of medical equipment, PPE
suits, and drinking water to Srithanya Hospital.
AAPICO is determined to continue to provide
support to the community, especially during this
national emergency. The project is under the
guidance of Mr. Yeap Swee Chuan’s emphasis
on values of human health, safety, and well-being,
as well as the company’s effort to give back
to society.
| CSR ACTIVITIES
MTCC member, Best Plastics Technology
participated in a COVID-19
assistance CSR project in September.
Dr. Surachai Ratitong and Dr. Khim
Boo donated one million Baht to Sampran
Hospital for the purchase of
medical equipment to monitor
COVID-19 patients remotely to
reduce the healthcare workers’ contact
and exposure to patients, as well
as to lighten the burden of the hospital,
which was overwhelmed with
patients with limited members of staff.
Best Plastics Technology had previously also donated 450,000 Baht to another local hospital for medical
needs.
| MEMBER’S CORNER
By Yuttachai Teyarachakul
Managing Director, Country Head of Personal Financial Services, UOB Thailand
At UOB, we expect that the United States (US), the world’s
largest economy 1 , will continue to dominate and to drive financial
markets for years to come. After a challenging year of
COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, the United States is looking to
recover to full economic activity with the help of mass vaccinations,
expansionary monetary policy and fiscal support from the
government. We expect that the economy will grow by 6 per
cent 2 in 2021 and maintain a moderate pace of growth in 2022.
Global leadership of US companies:
The global reach of US firms remains dominant and they wield
significant influence in a variety of industries. For example,
US-based companies account for an astounding 73 per cent of
the global information technology (IT) sector 3 . Healthcare is also
significantly weighted toward equities domiciled in the United
States, which represent for 65 per cent of the sector's market
value. The US consumer market, home to these companies, is
the largest consumer market in the world and valued at $20
trillion 4 . This provides an abundance of business opportunities for
US firms, allowing them to capture 41.3 per cent of total worldwide
corporate revenue 5 .
Large and robust financial markets:
The US equities market is the largest, most developed and
liquid financial market in the world 6 , accounting for 41 per cent
of worldwide equity and 40 per cent of global fixed income.
They also account for the majority of the value, representing 46
per cent on average of overall global market activity. With an
array of banks, investment firms and venture capitalists readily
available to provide funding support for new US-based
start-ups and growing businesses, the US market is highly
attractive to many foreign companies.
Strong innovation ability and culture:
According to the 2020 Global Innovation Index, the US is one of
the world’s top three most innovative countries. This makes it
fertile ground for creativity, powering ongoing innovation and
transformation in industries ranging from manufacturing to
healthcare and finance. It is home to the world-class institutions
driving research and initiatives in science, technology, and
energy. It is also regarded globally as the top high-income
economy for quality innovation.
Despite the anticipation of economic growth in the US, investors
should be cautious of some investment drawbacks, such
as the following considerations:
• The country's economic recovery in 2021 may be hampered
by the delays in the provision of COVID-19 vaccines. As the
Delta variant is spreading with incredible efficiency and already
accounts for more than 83 per cent 7 of the virus circulating in
the States, any disruption in the manufacturing industries and
distribution of COVID-19 vaccinations will impede economic
recovery.
• The US may implement protectionism policy such as the Buy
American Act. Under the new regulations, all items purchased
by the US federal government – from automobiles to building
materials – must be manufactured in USA, even if the materials
are more expensive. Buy American would restrict competition,
raising the cost of products and services and possibly harming the
US's long-term competitiveness.
There is an abundance of investment opportunities in the US
economy. Investors should focus on specific sectors that stand
out in the current economic environment, drawing on the expertise
of professional investment managers to identify value companies
within these sectors. It is also important to maintain a diversified
portfolio to minimise potential drawdowns due to unforeseen
circumstances and to invest in tranches on a consistent basis
instead of trying to time the market.
Source: UOB Market Outlook 2021
About UOB Thailand
United Overseas Bank (Thai) Public Company Limited (UOB) (Thai)
is a fully-licensed commercial bank with its network of 152 branches,
410 ATMs nationwide (as of 31 January 2021). UOB (Thai) is 99.66
per cent owned by Singapore-headquartered United Overseas Bank
Limited (UOB), which has a global network of more than 500 offices
in 19 countries and territories in Asia Pacific, Europe and North
America.
UOB Thailand is rated among the top banks in Thailand: AAA by
Fitch Ratings. We offer innovative financial solutions, quality
products and excellent services through understanding and identifying
the needs of our customers.
Generations of UOB (Thai) employees have carried through the
entrepreneurial spirit, the focus on long-term value creation and an
unwavering commitment to do what is right for our customers and our
colleagues. We believe in being a responsible financial services
provider and we are committed to making a difference in the lives of
our stakeholders and in the communities in which we operate. Just
as we are dedicated to helping our customers manage their finances
wisely and to grow their businesses, UOB Thailand is steadfast in its
support of social development, particularly in the areas of art,
children and education.
For media queries, please contact:
Yada Srisammasheep
Strategic Communications and Customer Advocacy
Email : yada.sri@uob.co.th
Tel: +66(0)2343 4965; Mobile: +66(0)84640 0058
1 World Bank, United Nations, by nominal GDP
2 UOB Quarterly Global Outlook 4Q2021
3 S&P Down jones indices
4 US GDP as of 2020, Bureau of economic analysis
5 MSCI Equity Indices, as of end Q1 2021
6 New financial market growth index 2019
7 Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
l 17 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
By Mr. Yuttachai Teyarachakul
Managing Director, Country Head of Personal Financial Services,
| MEMBER’S CORNER
By Tilleke & Gibbins
With COVID-19 cases continuing to pose a
significant threat throughout Thailand, many
employers have ordered their employees to work
exclusively from home in order to minimize their
chances of contracting the virus. However, this
luxury is not afforded to all employees—some
are unable to work from home due to the nature
of their work, and consequently they are placed
in the precarious position of being exposed to
possible infection.
Thailand’s Social Security Office (SSO) understood
these risks early in the pandemic and, in
March 2020, issued guidelines through the
Workmen’s Compensation Fund Office on
employees’ entitlement to claim benefits from the
workers’ compensation fund (WCF) if they contract the virus as a result of their work. The WCF provides
medical-related assistance and compensation to employees who directly suffer from a work-related injury
or sickness (subject to certain conditions). Falling ill with COVID-19 during the performance of work duties
may constitute suffering work-related sickness, thereby allowing employees to claim compensation from
the WCF by submitting the Kor Thor 16 form, a medical certificate, treatment records, records of the
employee’s working hours, and other relevant documentation.
Upon receiving a claim, the SSO will investigate by collecting facts and evidence from the employer, the
infected employee and his or her colleagues, and any witnesses. The official will examine the employee’s
duties and working conditions in detail, taking into consideration any relevant information, such as evidence
regarding the employee’s travel or movements prior to falling sick. Once all the facts and evidence are gathered,
the matter will be submitted to a medical subcommittee responsible for determining whether the
employee’s onset of COVID-19 is due to his or her work. If the subcommittee finds that the employee’s contraction
of the virus did indeed result from the performance of his or her work duties, the employee will be
entitled to compensation in accordance with the Workmen’s Compensation Act (No. 2) B.E. 2561 (2018).
An employee who needs treatment before this determination (i.e., while the workers’ compensation claim is
pending) can first seek medical care under the Social Security Fund from the hospital at which he or she is
registered. If the subcommittee subsequently rules that the COVID-19 case was in fact work-related, the
employee will be able to claim compensation from the WCF.
It can be challenging to collect the evidence necessary to determine the source of an employee’s infection—especially
when the employee has also frequented non-work locations or lives with other family members
who may have been exposed to the virus. Nevertheless, the ability to receive compensation from the
WCF for work-related cases of COVID-19 helps to ensure that employees—especially those working on the
front lines—have adequate protection against the financial impact of falling sick with COVID-19.
Pimvimol (June) Vipamaneerut
Partner
june.v@tilleke.com
Ketnut Pukahuta
Associate
ketnut.p@tilleke.com
Dusita Khanijou
Consultant
dusita.k@tilleke.com
l 18 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| MEMBER’S CORNOR
now has not only inspired people who not only believe that
everything is possible, but it has created a business culture of
endless possibilities. QM-Thai will continue to aspire through
aspiration utilizing technology and innovation in the market.
Quantum Metal Thailand Co., Ltd has entered into a collaboration with
Emerald Tech Advance and Satang Corporation on Thai Elite Card
Services. This collaboration of Elite Card services, a program initiated
by Thailand Tourism Authority was inspired by common goals in doing
our part to grow the tourism industry, rebuilding the Thai economy,
and helping the local businesses. This effort is connected through
synergizing three group of companies with different foundation
through providing each area of expertise companies to attract investment,
health care services and jobs opportunities.
Emerald Tech Advance an appointee agent under Thailand Tourism
Authority a direct supervision of Thailand Elite Card will see the first
ever innovative collaboration with QM-Thai and Satang Corporation.
The subsidiaries, partners and agents of Emerald can now have
options to applied Elite Card through Gold and Crypto as an additional
option for members to save, spend and investment in Thailand.
Together in this collaboration, Satang Corporation as one of the
leading digital asset exchanges in Thailand will see its first collaborative
cross- digital assets into providing services for its clients into gold
and extended in tourism. This will be the first ever cooperation in
Thailand, as an innovative to help Thailand grows its tourism and
attracting investment in Thailand.
Background
Quantum Metal Thailand “QM-Thai” was founded by 3 passionate
individual Dato Lim K S, Jonathan S. and Brandon Teh and QM-Thai is
the first cross border entity Quantum Metal Group and in August 2021
QM- Thai is officially part of Quantum Metal Inc. listed in the U.S OTC
market. The fundamental of the business led by Jonathan and
Brandon was to create foundation that helps business and people. The
objective was to support a trades relationship between Malaysia and
Thailand through gold as a creation of wealth solution for any corporate,
entity or individual. Through stronger vision and leadership of
our Chairman Dato Lim K S, carry on the vision for Quantum Metal and
eventually extended the presence out to more countries such as U.S,
China, Singapore, Hong Kong, and other countries. QM- Thai, was
established during the hardest period but with great will in within the
company together with the support from Bangkok Bank, our associates
“Khun Mook & Khun Apple” and our lawyer Khun Sira, Quantum
Metal Thailand was successfully incorporated in August 2020 during
the most difficult period of the covid-19 pandemic. Despite the
challenges the company are fueled with energies to support the
economy and for the people. With much detail planning, the company
Collaboration Direction
Thailand Elite with a singular goal for high-net-worth foreign
tourist with purpose of benefits, privileges, rights, and services
either in vacation or business. Elite operates under the directive
and guidance Thailand Tourism Authority (TAT), which sees huge
potential in attracting investors and long stay group. As part of
the collaborative business mission, the company had the similar
goal with the directive of TAT to provide offers and solution to
Thailand community in creating business opportunity, jobs, and
value creation by QM- Thai partnership with Emerald Group,
Satang Corporation in Marketing Elite Card Services. A potential
growth which will see maximizing each party current base in
contributing towards the Thai economy. The collaboration effort
entails acceptance of Elite Card Services through gold or crypto
essentially creating innovation in services towards Thailand
economy and the collaboration achieved a complete ecosystem
with presence of Bangkok Bank, will advise successful applicant
to open account with the bank during their stay for their ease of
banking needs.
Collaboration Value
The collaboration will see a potential of 3 parties maximizing its
existing resources in growing, expanding, extending products
and services in contribution to Thailand economy. With the total
number of users, network of QM- Thai, Emerald- Tech and Satang
Corporation which will potentially lead to hundreds of millions of
investments through 3 collaborative platform. The potential
investment into Thailand will not only contribute to the tourism
but at the same time into retail sectors, industrial sectors, property
investment and agricultural sectors.
Collaboration Contribution
Elite card services will see the first potential collaboration giving
applicant a payment options, investment, save and travel.
Promote Elite Card membership across the world to high net
worth and to create and support new program and initiative to
grow Elite Card membership and Thailand Foreign Direct Investment
in areas not limited to property, business, and payment.
Emerald Group accepts QM Thailand and Satang as an official
partner of Elite Services and future collaboration partners in
other areas to grow Thailand tourism via.
Satang Corporation as Exchange platform for QM- Gold Token
as an exchange platform for application from Crypto to Gold
vice-versa with an option of payment merchant availability.
Event and Ceremony
On the 27th of November 2021, at Amari Watergate, Bangkok.
The 3 parties held their collaboration event at 9 am (Bangkok
Time), they were attended and witness by Malaysia Ambassador
- Dato Jojie Samuel, Thailand Elite Card President -Mr. Pornthep
Pantanapat, Tourism Council of Thailand – Chamnan Srisawat,
The Association of Domestic Travel – Mr. Sato, Bangkok Bank
Representative
l 19 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
By RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
Global Economics & Market Strategy
Thailand: Moderate growth in 3Q21
♦ We expect monthly momentum for inflation to ease further in August before improving in the consequent
months. July CPI inflation printed 0.45% YoY, lower than the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 0.88% and June’s
reading of 1.25%.
♦Meanwhile, we anticipate exports to moderate in August, reflecting the surge in infections and the impact of the
restrictions for the month. Resilient external demand and weak Baht should still provide support for exports. Exports
for July printed 20.3% YoY versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 19.7% and June’s reading of 43.8%.
♦Similarly, we expect the manufacturing production index (MPI) to ease in August following the imposition of strict
lockdown measures across the region. However, the slight easing of restrictions and the increase in vaccination
rate should improve MPI performance from September onwards. The MPI printed 5.1% YoY for July versus the
Bloomberg consensus estimate of 12.3% and June’s reading of 18.3%.
Muted performance in August given strict lockdown measures
We expect monthly momentum for inflation to ease further in August before improving in the consequent
months. This is as government subsidies for electricity and water bills will partially cap the rise in prices for the month
while dampening purchasing sentiments, given that strict restrictions remained in place for August, is expected to limit
demand-pull inflationary pressures. Of note, consumer confidence fell further to 40.9 from 43.1, claiming the lowest level
recorded, following the spread of the third wave of infection in the country.
July CPI inflation printed 0.45% YoY, lower than the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 0.88% and June’s reading
of 1.25%. Price pressures for the month were weighed down by the Government subsidies on utility bills, tuition,
and education. Declining prices for some fresh food such as rice and vegetables also contributed to the slowdown in
headline inflation. Meanwhile, core inflation, which excludes raw food and energy prices, moderated to 0.14% YoY from
0.52% YoY the month prior.
Meanwhile, we expect exports to moderate in August, reflecting the surge in infections and the impact of the
restrictions for the month. Agriculture exports may be affected by the closures of some fruit factories and supply chain
disruptions due to virus outbreaks in the region. Containment of the virus in major sectors, as vaccination rate increases
from September onwards, should buttress exports performance. However, the weak Baht and recovering global
demand should support overall performance, particularly for the manufacturing exports.
Exports for July printed 20.3% YoY versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 19.7% and June’s reading of
43.8%. Manufacturing exports, accounting for around 80% of exports, moderated slightly to 18% YoY from 44.7% YoY
in June. Shipments of electronics, electrical equipment as well as vehicle and parts remained resilient for the month.
Exports of agriculture products rose at a slower pace for the month, printing at 24.3% YoY versus 36.0% the month prior.
Meanwhile, imports printed 45.9% YoY, lower than June’s print of 53.8% YoY.
Similarly, we expect the manufacturing production index (MPI) to ease in August following the imposition of strict
lockdown measures across the region. The closure of factories will also dampen manufacturing activities for the month.
Nonetheless, the slight easing of restrictions beginning on 1 September and the increase in vaccination rate, as supply
increases, should improve MPI performance from September onwards. Moreover, the newly launched Factory Sandbox
pilot programme should instil greater confidence in the recovery of manufacturing activities. The scheme will increase
the vaccination rate and ensure stricter containment of COVID-19 infections of factory workers, with priority for factories
under the automotive, electronics, food and beverages, as well as the medical equipment sectors.
The MPI printed 5.1% YoY for July versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 12.3% and June’s reading of
18.3%. The low base helped to partially support growth momentum for the month as the manufacturing sector was
impacted by the spread of infections in factories. In terms of its components, production of petroleum refining products,
apparel as well as computers and peripherals remained resilient for the month, printing at 23.2% YoY, 16.5% YoY and
32.6% YoY respectively. Production of other components declined for the month with sharpest stemming from the
production of rubber and plastic products (-20.6% YoY). Capacity utilisation also dropped to 58.1% from 62.5% in June.
l 20 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
Continued on page 21
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
By RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL
Global Economics & Market Strategy
Thailand: Moderate growth in 3Q21 Continued from page 20
Figure 1: YoY declined for CPI and …
% YoY Thailand: Headline CPI
5.0
4.0
3.0
2.0
1.0
0.0
-1.0
-2.0
-3.0
-4.0
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
0.45
Jan-10
Jul-10
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Jul-12
Jan-13
Jul-13
Jan-14
Jul-14
Jan-15
Jul-15
Jan-16
Jul-16
Jan-17
Jul-17
Jan-18
Jul-18
Jan-19
Jul-19
Jan-20
Jul-20
Jan-21
Jul-21
Figure 2: … MoM on account of government subsidies
% MoM
3MMA (sa)
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
0.0
-0.2
-0.4
-0.6
-0.8
-1.0
-1.2
Thailand: Headline CPI
Retail Oil Price (RHS)
Jul 18
Sep 18
Nov 18
Jan 19
Mar 19
May 19
Jul 19
Sep 19
Nov 19
Jan 20
Mar 20
May 20
Jul 20
Sep 20
Nov 20
Jan 21
Mar 21
May 21
Jul 21
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
%MoM
3MMA (sa)
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
-2.0
-4.0
-6.0
-8.0
-10.0
-12.0
Figure 3: Overall exports performance and …
%YoY
80
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
Jul 11
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Trade Balance (RHS)
Exports
Imports
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
USD bn
6,000
Jul 21
4,000
2,000
0
-2,000
-4,000
-6,000
-8,000
Figure 4: …momentum for major components
weakened
3mma %
MoM sa
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
Jul-18
Oct-18
Jan-19
Apr-19
Exports: Agricutlure Products
Exports: Agro Industrial Products
Exports: Manufacturing Products
Exports: Oil-related products
Jul-19
Oct-19
Jan-20
Apr-20
Jul-20
Oct-20
Jan-21
Apr-21
Jul-21
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
Figure 5: MPI momentum on a downtrend
Figure 6: Declining capacity utilisation
% MoM,
3MMA (sa) MPI Auto Sales (RHS)
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
-5.0
-10.0
-15.0
Jul 11
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
Jul 16
Jul 17
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
Jul 18
Jul 19
% MoM,
3MMA (sa)
Jul 20
Jul 21
50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
% Capacity Utilisation
80
75
70
65
60
55
50
May 18
Jul 18
Sep 18
Nov 18
Jan 19
Mar 19
May 19
Jul 19
Sep 19
Nov 19
Jan 20
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
Pre-COVID
Average
Mar 20
May 20
Jul 20
Sep 20
Nov 20
Jan 21
Mar 21
May 21
Jul 21
l 21 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
By RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL
Global Economics & Market Strategy
Thailand: Muted growth in economic activities in September
♦We expect price pressures to remain muted as we head into the 4Q21 following the expected extension of subsidies for
utilities and tuition fees. August CPI inflation printed -0.02% YoY versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 0.30% and
July’s reading of 0.45%.
♦We expect the momentum for exports to moderate in September as the impact of the restrictions are expected to last
throughout the month. Exports for August printed 8.93% YoY versus the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 15.10% and
July’s print of 20.27%.
♦Similarly, the momentum for manufacturing production index (MPI) growth is expected to remain soft in September as we
continue to anticipate the lasting impact of the restrictions to seep through factory activities. The MPI for August printed
-4.15% YoY, lower than the Bloomberg consensus estimate of 0% and July’s revised figure of 3.92.
♦ As for the benchmark interest rate, we continue to expect the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to keep the interest rate at 0.50%
for 2021 as the Thai economy slowly moves towards recovery. The BoT had maintained its benchmark interest rate at
0.50% at the monetary policy meeting on 29 September.
Soft momentum will continue from the impact of restrictions
We expect price pressures to remain muted for as we
head into the 4Q21. The Government is expected to
extend the subsidies for utility bills and tuition fees in
efforts to ease the burden due to the ongoing wave of
infections – thus dampening demand-pull price pressures.
Guidance from the Commerce Ministry indicates
that inflation should within the 0.7% to 0.8% range given
that the current measures on utility are extended.
August CPI inflation printed -0.02% YoY versus the
Bloomberg consensus estimate of 0.30% and July’s
reading of 0.45%. This is the first drop in CPI since
March 2021. Price pressures continued to be restrained
by the Government subsidies on utilities and tuition fees –
the housing component registered the sharpest drop in
price among the non-food group of the CPI basket. Lower
prices of certain fresh food such as rice, meat, and vegetables
also contributed to lower CPI. Core inflation also
fell to 0.07% YoY versus July’s print of 0.14%.
We expect the momentum for exports to moderate in
September as the impact of the restrictions are
expected to last throughout the month. Exports of
agricultural products should provide some form of support
for overall growth given its limited impact from the restrictions,
as observed in the August trade data. Moreover, the
Commerce Ministry has suggested that the surge in
imports of raw materials are indicative for stronger
exports growth in the coming months as most of these
goods would be reprocessed and exported out. The
weakness in the local currency should also continue to
support overall export growth for the year.
Exports for August printed 8.93% YoY versus the
Bloomberg consensus estimate of 15.10% and July’s
print of 20.27%. Moderation in exports growth for the
month were attributed to the COVID-19 related restrictions
imposed on some factories which had led to the decline in
production output – the industry component registered the
lowest growth at 3.3% YoY. Meanwhile, exports of agriculture
products continued to remain resilient with strong
growth for rubber, tapioca products as well as rice.
Imports rose to 47.92% YoY, higher than the Bloomberg
consensus estimate of 39.6% and 45.94% in July. The
strong uptick was driven by the rise in orders for raw materials
and capital goods.
The momentum for manufacturing production index
(MPI) growth is expected to remain soft in September
as we continue to anticipate the lasting impact of the
restrictions to seep through factory activities. Supply shortages
in raw materials may also continue to affect MPI
figures in September. Nonetheless, the ease in restrictions
and the increase in vaccination efforts amongst factory
workers are expected to show its affects as we approach
the 4Q21.
The MPI for August printed -4.15% YoY, lower than the
Bloomberg consensus estimate of 0% and July’s
revised figure of 3.92%. This is the first drop in MPI reading
since February 2021, 6 months into the outbreak.
Restrictions and the increase in infections have impeded
factory activities whilst shortages of raw materials such as
semiconductors and automotive parts have also caused
output to decline for the month. Production of electronic
components and boards registered the sharpest decline at
-23.70% YoY followed by automotive production at
-23.34% YoY and rubber and plastic products at -16.45%
YoY. Capacity utilisation also fell to 57.38% from 58.90% in
July.
l 22 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
Continued on page 23
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
Continued from page 22
By RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL
Policy rate on hold at 0.5% for the remainder of 2021
We continue to expect the Bank of Thailand (BoT) to
keep the interest rate at 0.50% for 2021 as the Thai
economy slowly moves towards recovery. Improvements
in the vaccination rate and the gradual re-opening
of economic activities in stages provide the necessary
push towards an improvement in 4Q21 figures but
uncertainties remain at large as infections fluctuate.
The BoT had maintained its benchmark interest rate
at 0.50% at the monetary policy meeting on 29 September.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) unanimously
voted to keep the interest rate unchanged and
continued to “view that financial measures are more
effective than a further reduction in the policy rate, which
was already low”. This contrasted with the last meeting
on 4 August whereby 2 members of the MPC voted to
cut the policy rate by 0.25 percentage point.
The MPC continues to assess that the Thai economy
will be “affected by the COVID-19 outbreak more than
expected with significant downside risks” in 2021 and
has kept the 2021 GDP forecast at 0.7% YoY from the
previous meeting. Meanwhile, a more optimistic tone
was placed for the outlook 2022 given that the BoT
expects the “economy to gradually recover mainly
owing to domestic spending in tandem with improving
confidence” given the “significant progress on vaccination
and earlier-than-expected relaxation of the
containment measures”. The BoT has raised its 2022
GDP forecast to 3.9% YoY from 3.7% YoY. Even so,
uncertainties surrounding the outlook remains.
Headline inflation has also been cut to 1% from 1.2%
previously as it is expected to “remain subdued in line
with weak domestic demand”.
Figure 1: BoT kept policy rate at 0.5%
4.0 % Thailand CPI Policy Rate (RHS) %
2.0
3.0
1.8
1.6
2.0
1.4
1.0
1.2
0.0
1.0
-1.0
-0.02
0.8
0.6
-2.0
0.4
-3.0
0.50 0.2
-4.0
0.0
05/2016
09/2016
01/2017
05/2017
09/2017
01/2018
05/2018
09/2018
01/2019
05/2019
09/2019
01/2020
05/2020
09/2020
01/2021
05/2021
09/2021
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
Figure 3: Exports fell on account of …
Figure 2: CPI momentum remains subdued
% MoM 3MMA
(sa)
1.0
0.5
0.0
-0.5
-1.0
-1.5
Thailand: Headline CPI
Retail Oil Price (RHS)
Jul 18
Sep 18
Nov 18
Jan 19
Mar 19
May 19
Jul 19
Sep 19
Nov 19
Jan 20
Mar 20
May 20
Jul 20
Sep 20
Nov 20
Jan 21
Mar 21
May 21
Jul 21
Sep 21
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
%MoM 3MMA
(sa)
8.0
6.0
4.0
2.0
0.0
-2.0
-4.0
-6.0
-8.0
-10.0
-12.0
-14.0
Figure 4: … decline in exports of manufacturing goods
%YoY Trade Balance (RHS) Exports
80
Imports
60
40
20
0
-20
-40
Aug 11
Aug 12
Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
Aug 20
USD bn
6,000
4,000
2,000
0
-2,000
-4,000
-6,000
-8,000
Aug 21
3mma % MoM
sa
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
Aug-18
Nov-18
Feb-19
May-19
Aug-19
Exports: Agricutlure Products
Exports: Agro Industrial Products
Exports: Manufacturing Products
Exports: Oil-related products
Nov-19
Feb-20
May-20
Aug-20
Nov-20
Feb-21
May-21
Aug-21
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
l 23 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
Continued on page 24
By RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
Continued from page 23
Figure 5: MPI declined in August
Figure 6: Capacity utilisation dropped further
% MoM,
3MMA (sa) MPI Auto Sales (RHS)
15.0
10.0
5.0
0.0
-5.0
-10.0
-15.0
Aug 11
Aug 12
Aug 13
Aug 14
Aug 15
Aug 16
Aug 17
Aug 18
Aug 19
% MoM,
3MMA (sa)
Aug 20
Aug 21
50
40
30
20
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
80 % Capacity Utilisation
75
Pre-COVID Average
70
65
60
55
50
Jun 18
Aug 18
Oct 18
Dec 18
Feb 19
Apr 19
Jun 19
Aug 19
Oct 19
Dec 19
Feb 20
Apr 20
Jun 20
Aug 20
Oct 20
Dec 20
Feb 21
Apr 21
Jun 21
Aug 21
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
Source: CEIC, RHB Economics & Market Strategy
BANGKOK
RHB Securities (Thailand) PCL
10th Floor, Sathorn Square Office Tower 98, North Sathorn Road, Silom Bangrak,
Bangkok 10500 Thailand
Tel: +66 2088 9999
Fax :+66 2088 9799
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
By MATRADE Bangkok
Summary of Malaysia’s Trade Performance (September 2020/2021)
(Based from Department of Statistic, Malaysia and compiled by MATRADE)
• Malaysia’s Global Trade
(Based from Department of Statistic, Malaysia and compiled by MATRADE)
• Malaysia’s global trade recorded a positive growth of
25.5 percent amounting to RM195.53 billion
(USD46.93 billion) for the period of September
2020/2021. Total exports increased by 24.7 percent
(RM110.83 billion; USD26.60 billion) while imports
increased by 26.5 percent (RM84.70 bill; USD20.33
billion) respectively.
(September 2020: RM155.84 billion / USD37.54 billion)
Table : Malaysia's External Trade, Annual (From 2015 to September 2021) (World) In RM
• Major import products from the world
Products
• Electrical and Electronic Products
• Chemicals & Chemical Products
• Petroleum Products
• Machinery, Equipment’s & Parts
• Manufactures of Metal
Total
(RM bill)
28.70
8.24
8.19
5.31
4.55
• Malaysia’s top trading partner to the world
Total
(USD bill)
6.88
1.98
1.96
1.27
1.09
As at September 2021
Year
TOTAL EXPORTS TOTAL IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE TOTAL TRADE
RM Mil Growth Rate % RM Mil Growth Rate % RM Mil Growth Rate % RM Mil Growth Rate %
2015 777,355.1 0.0 685,778.4 0.0 91,576.6 0.0 1,463,133.5 0.0
2016 786,964.2 1.2 698,818.7 1.9 88,145.5 -3.7 1,485,782.8 1.5
2017 934,926.8 18.8 836,422.2 19.7 98,504.6 11.8 1,771,349.0 19.2
2018 1,003,586.9 7.3 879,804.0 5.2 123,782.9 25.7 1,883,390.9 6.3
2019 995,071.9 -0.8 849,410.8 -3.5 145,661.1 17.7 1,844,482.7 -2.1
2020 983,826.8 -1.1 800,481.3 -5.8 183,345.4 25.9 1,784,308.1 -3.3
2020
(Jan-Sep) 712,067.7 0 588,816.9 0 123,250.7 0 1,300,884.6 0
2021
(Jan-Sep) 889,321.7 24.9 712,994.4 21.1 176,327.3 43.1 1,602,316.1 23.2
2021 (Aug) 95,586.5 0 74,198.5 0 21,388.0 0 169,785.0 0
2020 (Sep) 88,892.1 0 66,956.0 0 21,936.2 0 155,848.1 0
2021 (Sep) 110,833.9 24.7 84,703.6 26.5 26,130.3 19.1 195,537.5 25.5
Country
1. China
2. Singapore
3. USA
4. Japan
5. Taiwan
6. Hong Kong
7. Indonesia
8. Thailand
Total trade
(RM/USD billion)
RM38.44/ USD9.22
RM24.80/ USD5.95
RM18.76/ USD4.50
RM11.39/ USD2.73
RM10.36/ USD2.48
RM9.43/ USD2.26
RM8.56/ USD2.05
RM8.05/ USD1.93
Market
Share
19.0%
11.9%
9.8%
6.8%
5.2%
4.3%
4.1%
4.4%
As at September 2021
Table : Malaysia's External Trade, Annual (From 2015 to September 2021) (World)
In USD
Year
TOTAL EXPORTS TOTAL IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE TOTAL TRADE
USD Mil Growth Rate % USD Mil Growth Rate % USD Mil Growth Rate % USD Mil Growth Rate %
2015 199,158.1 0.0 176,011.0 0.0 23,147.1 0.0 375,169.1 0.0
2016 189,658.7 -4.8 168,429.6 -4.3 21,229.1 -8.3 358,088.3 -4.6
2017 217,722.1 14.8 194,749.6 15.6 22,972.5 8.2 412,471.7 15.2
2018 248,675.4 14.2 217,974.4 11.9 30,701.0 33.6 466,649.8 13.1
2019 240,199.3 -3.4 205,007.6 -5.9 35,191.7 14.6 445,206.9 -4.6
2020 234,609.0 -2.3 190,730.7 -7.0 43,878.3 24.7 425,339.7 -4.5
2020
(Jan-Sep) 168,425.4 0 139,176.1 0 29,249.3 0 307,601.5 0
2021
(Jan-Sep) 215,296.5 27.8 172,610.2 24.0 42,686.3 45.9 387,906.7 26.1
2021 (Aug) 22,635.3 0 17,570.5 0 5,064.8 0 40,205.8 0
2020 (Sep) 21,416.2 0 16,131.2 0 5,284.9 0 37,547.4 0
2021 (Sep) 26,603.1 24.2 20,331.1 26.0 6,272.0 18.7 46,934.3 25.0
• In term of services sector, Malaysia’s global trade
recorded a negative performance of 34.7% amounting
to RM 231.44 billion (USD57.86 billion) for the
period of January to December 2020. Total exports
decreased by 46.0% (RM91.72 billion; USD22.93
billion) and imports decreased by 22.7% (RM139.71
billion; USD34.92 billion).
Table : Malaysia's Trade In Services, Annual (From 2014 to December 2020)
EXPORTS (Credit) IMPORTS (Debit) TOTAL TRADE TRADE BALANCE
Year
Change %
Change %
Change % (Net) (+/-) Change %
Value (RM Mil.) Y-o-Y Value (RM Mil.) Y-o-Y Value (RM Mil.) Y-o-Y (RM Mil.) Y-o-Y
2014 137,618.263 148,324.508 285,942.771 -10,706.245
• Major export products to the world
Products
• Electrical and Electronic Products
• Petroleum Products
• Palm oil & palm oil based
agriculture products
• Manufactures of Metal
• Chemical & Chemical Products
Total
(RM bill)
41.05
9.34
7.75
6.76
6.04
Total
(USD bill)
9.85
2.24
1.86
1.62
1.45
2015 136,095.456 -1.1 156,727.046 5.7 292,822.502 2.4 -20,631.590 -92.7
2016 147,595.660 8.5 166,513.086 6.2 314,108.746 7.3 -18,917.426 8.3
2017 159,383.933 8.0 182,242.632 9.4 341,626.565 8.8 -22,858.699 -20.8
2018 162,374.512 1.9 179,889.445 -1.3 342,263.957 0.2 -17,514.933 23.4
2019 169,813.598 4.6 180,735.431 0.5 350,549.029 2.4 -10,921.833 37.6
2019
(Jan-Dec) 169,813.598 180,735.431 350,549.029 -10,921.833
2020
(Jan-Dec) 91,728.596 -46.0 139,713.905 -22.7 231,442.501 -34.7 -47,985.301 -339.4
2019 41,651.695 8.1 43,321.800 -2.2 84,973.495 2.6 -1,670.105 71.0
2019 41,388.507 3.7 44,821.064 -1.2 86,209.571 1.1 -3,432.557 37.1
2019 44,261.940 6.0 46,076.444 3.5 90,338.384 4.7 -1,814.504 34.2
2019 42,511.456 0.7 46,516.123 1.7 89,027.579 1.2 -4,004.667 -13.0
As at September 2021
2020 33,057.086 -20.6 41,009.798 -5.3 74,066.884 -12.8 -7,952.712 -376.2
2020 18,441.857 -55.4 30,906.572 -31.0 49,348.429 -42.8 -12,464.715 -263.1
l 25 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
Continued on page 26
By MATRADE Bangkok
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
Continued from page 25
Trade Performance between Malaysia and ASEAN Country
(Based from Department of Statistic, Malaysia and compiled by MATRADE)
Monthly Trade Performance for September 2021
Malaysia’s top trading partner in ASEAN
1. Singapore
2. Thailand
3. Indonesia
4. Vietnam
5. Philippines
Market
Share
46.6%
17.2%
16.1%
11.7%
5.7%
Changes
22.8%
23.4%
35.9%
34.2%
21.7%
Table : Malaysia's Total Trade By ASEAN Country, Annual
(From 2020 - September 2021) – In RM
2020 2021
Country
August F September F August P September I
RM Mil RM Mil RM Mil % Change RM Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 35,672.0 38,733.1 44,206.3 23.9 50,768.9 12,035.8 31.1
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE 17,406.7 18,703.2 20,248.3 16.3 24,802.1 6,098.9 32.6
REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA 4,665.2 5,232.9 7,481.7 60.4 8,569.9 3,336.9 63.8
THAILAND 6,124.6 7,135.7 7,240.1 18.2 8,050.7 915.0 12.8
SOCIALIST REP. OF VIET NAM 4,307.8 4,276.3 5,360.0 24.4 4,959.0 682.7 16.0
PHILIPPINES 2,118.3 2,435.1 2,886.7 36.3 2,749.2 314.1 12.9
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 609.8 532.9 567.3 -7.0 1,067.8 534.9 100.4
UNION OF MYANMAR 282.1 242.8 216.1 -23.4 352.4 109.6 45.1
CAMBODIA 146.5 161.9 196.4 34.1 214.1 52.2 32.3
PEOPLE'S DEM. REP. LAO 11.0 12.3 9.6 -12.8 3.8 -8.5 -69.3
Table: Malaysia's Total Trade By ASEAN Country, Annual
(From 2020 – September 2021) – In USD
2020 2021
Country
August F September F . September I
USD Mil USD Mil USD Mil % Change USD Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 8,512.2 9,331.7 10,468.2 23.0 12,185.9 2,854.21 30.6
REPUBLIC OF SINGAPORE 4,153.6 4,506.0 4,794.9 15.4 5,953.2 1,447.13 32.1
REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA 1,113.2 1,260.7 1,771.7 59.1 2,057.0 796.27 63.2
THAILAND 1,461.5 1,719.1 1,714.5 17.3 1,932.4 213.24 12.4
SOCIALIST REP. OF VIET NAM 1,028.0 1,030.3 1,269.3 23.5 1,190.3 160.03 15.5
PHILIPPINES 505.5 586.7 683.6 35.2 659.9 73.22 12.5
BRUNEI DARUSSALAM 145.5 128.4 134.3 -7.7 256.3 127.92 99.6
UNION OF MYANMAR 67.3 58.5 51.2 -24.0 84.6 26.08 44.6
CAMBODIA 34.9 39.0 46.5 33.0 51.4 12.40 31.8
PEOPLE'S DEM. REP. LAO 2.6 3.0 2.3 -13.5 0.9 -2.06 -69.4
Trade Performance between Malaysia and Thailand
(Based from Department of Statistic, Malaysia and compiled by MATRADE)
• As of September 2021, Thailand was ranked as
Malaysia’s:-
o 8th largest trading partner,
o 6th largest export destination and
o 8th largest source of import
o3rd top trading partner among ASEAN Countries
Bilateral Trade between Malaysia – Thailand
(September 2020/2021)
Total trade
• As for Malaysia’s trade with Thailand, total trade
recorded an increase of 12.8% amounting to RM8.05
billion (USD1.93 billion); for the period of September
2020/2021. (September 2020: RM7.13 billion /
USD1.71 billion).
• The monthly trade balance between Malaysia and
Thailand has decreased by 37.8% compared to the
same period last year amounting to RM545.7 million
(USD131.0 million); September 2020: RM877.5
million / USD211.4 million).
Table : Malaysia's External Trade, Annual
(From 2015 to September 2021) (THAILAND) (In RM)
Year
TOTAL EXPORTS TOTAL IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE TOTAL TRADE
RM Mil Growth Rate % RM Mil Growth Rate % RM Mil Growth Rate % RM Mil Growth Rate %
2015 44,387.2 0.0 41,660.1 0.0 2,727.1 0.0 86,047.3 0.0
2016 44,092.4 -0.7 42,328.2 1.6 1,764.2 -35.3 86,420.6 0.4
2017 50,508.0 14.6 48,141.2 13.7 2,366.8 34.2 98,649.3 14.2
2018 57,060.8 13.0 48,623.7 1.0 8,437.1 256.5 105,684.5 7.1
2019 56,318.1 -1.3 44,276.6 -8.9 12,041.6 42.7 100,594.7 -4.8
2020 45,339.5 -19.5 34,300.1 -22.5 11,039.4 -8.3 79,639.6 -20.8
2020
(Jan-Sep) 33,264.0 0 24,027.8 0 9,236.3 0 57,291.8 0
2021
(Jan-Sep) 38,198.6 14.8 32,512.4 35.3 5,686.1 -38.4 70,711.0 23.4
2021 (Aug) 3,965.1 0 3,275.1 0 690.0 0 7,240.1 0
2020 (Sep) 4,006.6 0 3,129.1 0 877.5 0 7,135.7 0
2021 (Sep) 4,298.2 7.3 3,752.5 19.9 545.7 -37.8 8,050.7 12.8
Table : Malaysia's External Trade, Annual
(From 2015 to September 2021) (THAILAND) (In USD)
Year
TOTAL EXPORTS TOTAL IMPORTS TRADE BALANCE TOTAL TRADE
USD Mil Growth Rate % USD Mil Growth Rate % USD Mil Growth Rate % USD Mil Growth Rate %
2015 11,388.6 0.0 10,665.0 0.0 723.6 0.0 22,053.6 0.0
2016 10,619.6 -6.8 10,203.4 -4.3 416.2 -42.5 20,823.0 -5.6
2017 11,756.1 10.7 11,206.0 9.8 550.1 32.2 22,962.1 10.3
2018 14,146.3 20.3 12,049.8 7.5 2,096.5 281.1 26,196.1 14.1
2019 13,602.7 -3.8 10,689.7 -11.3 2,913.0 38.9 24,292.4 -7.3
2020 10,809.5 -20.5 8,189.8 -23.4 2,619.7 -10.1 18,999.3 -21.8
2020
(Jan-Sep) 7,870.1 0 5,688.4 0 2,181.8 0 13,558.5 0
2021
(Jan-Sep) 9,249.4 17.5 7,878.6 38.5 1,370.9 -37.2 17,128.0 26.3
2021 (Aug) 939.0 0 775.5 0 163.4 0 1,714.5 0
2020 (Sep) 965.3 0 753.9 0 211.4 0 1,719.1 0
2021 (Sep) 1,031.7 6.9 900.7 19.5 131.0 -38.0 1,932.4 12.4
• Total trade in 2020 : RM79.63 billion (USD18.99
billion)
l 26 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
Continued on page 27
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
Continued from page 26
By MATRADE Bangkok
Exports
• Malaysia’s export to Thailand recorded a positive growth of 7.3% to a total of RM4.29 billion (USD1.03
billion) as compared to the same period last year (September 2020: RM4.00 billion; USD965.3 million).
• The increase in exports were contributed by the following :-
Table : Malaysia's Exports to Thailand (September 2021) - In RM
2020 2021
MITI Industry
August F September F August P September I
RM Mil RM Mil RM Mil % Change RM Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 3,282.4 4,006.6 3,965.1 20.8 4,298.2 291.6 7.3
LNG 0.0 41.8 196.4 0.0 187.7 145.9 349.1
Natural rubber 0.3 0.4 1.1 227.9 0.9 0.6 142.1
Crude Fertilizers and crude minerals 1.9 2.0 6.9 263.0 4.8 2.8 139.6
Palm oilbased
manufactured products 44.5 44.1 86.7 94.8 99.2 55.0 124.7
Petroleum Products 66.9 28.8 69.1 3.3 56.3 27.5 95.4
Rubber Products 58.3 67.5 87.6 50.1 106.2 38.7 57.4
Manufactures of Metal 163.0 141.4 206.9 26.9 218.8 77.5 54.8
Transport Equipment 110.2 89.1 37.1 -66.3 137.0 47.8 53.7
Paper & Pulp Products 24.2 22.6 32.4 33.6 32.8 10.2 45.0
Processed food 91.2 89.3 114.3 25.4 129.4 40.0 44.8
Table : Malaysia's Exports to Thailand (September 2021) – In USD
2020 2021
MITI Industry
August F September F August P September I
USD Mil USD Mil USD Mil % Change USD Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 783.3 965.3 939.0 19.9 1,031.7 66.41 6.9
LNG 0.0 10.1 46.5 0.0 45.1 34.99 347.5
Natural rubber 0.1 0.1 0.3 225.4 0.2 0.13 141.2
Crude Fertilizers and crude minerals 0.5 0.5 1.6 260.2 1.1 0.67 138.7
Palm oilbased
manufactured products 10.6 10.6 20.5 93.3 23.8 13.17 123.9
Petroleum Products 16.0 6.9 16.4 2.5 13.5 6.57 94.6
Rubber Products 13.9 16.3 20.7 49.0 25.5 9.24 56.8
Manufactures of Metal 38.9 34.1 49.0 26.0 52.5 18.46 54.2
Transport Equipment 26.3 21.5 8.8 -66.6 32.9 11.40 53.1
Paper & Pulp Products 5.8 5.4 7.7 32.5 7.9 2.42 44.5
Processed food 21.8 21.5 27.1 24.4 31.1 9.53 44.3
On the export market share, the structure are mainly led by the Electrical & Electronic products (-16.6%;
RM1.35 billion; USD1.03 billion) and followed by the other market shares:-
Table : Malaysia Export Market Share to Thailand (September 2021) - In RM
Table : Malaysia Export Market Share to Thailand (September 2021) - In USD
2020 2021
MITI Industry August F September F August P September I
RM Mil RM Mil RM Mil % Change RM Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 3,282.4 4,006.6 3,965.1 20.8 4,298.2 291.6 7.3
Electrical & electronic products 1,112.1 1,627.3 954.6 -14.2 1,357.2 -270.1 -16.6
Chemicals & chemical products 309.0 408.1 480.7 55.6 526.7 118.6 29.1
Other manufactures 287.7 397.2 320.3 11.3 373.9 -23.4 -5.9
Crude Petroleum 293.3 328.0 573.8 95.6 313.7 -14.3 -4.4
Machinery, Equipment & Parts 148.8 171.5 165.6 11.3 219.7 48.2 28.1
Manufactures of Metal 163.0 141.4 206.9 26.9 218.8 77.5 54.8
LNG 0.0 41.8 196.4 0.0 187.7 145.9 349.1
Optical & Scientific Equipment 101.6 135.4 151.2 48.8 138.8 3.4 2.5
Transport Equipment 110.2 89.1 37.1 -66.3 137.0 47.8 53.7
Processed food 91.2 89.3 114.3 25.4 129.4 40.0 44.8
2020 2021
MITI Industry August F September F August P September I
USD Mil USD Mil USD Mil % Change USD Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 783.3 965.3 939.0 19.9 1,031.7 66.41 6.9
Electrical & electronic products 265.4 392.1 226.1 -14.8 325.8 -66.29 -16.9
Chemicals & chemical products 73.7 98.3 113.8 54.4 126.4 28.11 28.6
Other manufactures 68.7 95.7 75.9 10.5 89.7 -5.97 -6.2
Crude Petroleum 70.0 79.0 135.9 94.1 75.3 -3.73 -4.7
Machinery, Equipment & Parts 35.5 41.3 39.2 10.4 52.7 11.42 27.6
Manufactures of Metal 38.9 34.1 49.0 26.0 52.5 18.46 54.2
LNG 0.0 10.1 46.5 0.0 45.1 34.99 347.5
Optical & Scientific Equipment 24.3 32.6 35.8 47.6 33.3 0.69 2.1
Transport Equipment 26.3 21.5 8.8 -66.6 32.9 11.40 53.1
Processed food 21.8 21.5 27.1 24.4 31.1 9.53 44.3
l 27 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
Continued on page 28
| ECONOMIC REVIEW
Continued from page 27
By MATRADE Bangkok
o Chemicals & Chemical Products (29.1%; RM526.7 million; USD126.4 million)
o Other Manufactures (-5.9%; RM373.9 million; USD89.7 million)
o Crude Petroleum (-4.4%; RM313.7 million; USD75.3 million)
o Machinery, Equipment & Parts (28.1%; RM219.7 million; USD52.7 million)
o Manufactures of Metal (54.8%; RM218.8 million; USD52.5 million)
o LNG (349.1%; RM187.7 million; USD45.1 million)
o Optical & Scientific Equipment (2.5%; RM138.8 million; USD33.3 million)
o Transport Equipment (53.7%; RM137.0 million; USD32.9 million)
o Processed Food (44.8%; RM129.4 million; USD31.1 million)
Imports
• Malaysia’s import from Thailand increased about 19.9 percent to RM3.75 billion (USD900.7 million) from
RM3.12 billion (USD753.9 million) for the same period last year.
Table : Malaysia Imports From Thailand (September 2021) - In RM
2020 2021
MITI Industry August F September F August P September I
RM Mil RM Mil RM Mil % Change RM Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 2,842.2 3,129.1 3,275.1 15.2 3,752.5 623.4 19.9
Electrical & electronic products 728.1 758.7 662.9 -9.0 850.7 92.0 12.1
Chemicals & chemical products 287.2 335.0 420.3 46.3 500.1 165.0 49.3
Transport Equipment 336.0 346.6 431.2 28.4 366.3 19.8 5.7
Natural rubber 262.1 279.9 345.8 31.9 299.2 19.3 6.9
Petroleum Products 62.0 108.7 112.9 82.1 264.9 156.1 143.6
Machinery, Equipment & Parts 151.5 227.9 160.8 6.1 204.9 -23.0 -10.1
Processed food 172.6 173.2 175.4 1.7 204.1 30.9 17.8
Rubber Products 137.2 155.5 150.7 9.9 153.6 -2.0 -1.3
Other agricultures 85.9 83.8 114.1 32.9 145.0 61.2 73.0
Other manufactures 79.7 87.2 100.5 26.0 110.8 23.6 27.1
Table : Malaysia Imports From Thailand (September 2021) - In USD
2020 2021
MITI Industry August F September F August P September I
USD Mil USD Mil USD Mil % Change USD Mil Change (Value) % Change
TOTAL 678.2 753.9 775.5 14.4 900.7 146.83 19.5
Electrical & electronic products 173.7 182.8 157.0 -9.6 204.2 21.39 11.7
Chemicals & chemical products 68.5 80.7 99.5 45.2 120.0 39.31 48.7
Transport Equipment 80.2 83.5 102.1 27.4 87.9 4.43 5.3
Natural rubber 62.5 67.4 81.9 30.9 71.8 4.39 6.5
Petroleum Products 14.8 26.2 26.7 80.7 63.6 37.38 142.7
Machinery, Equipment & Parts 36.2 54.9 38.1 5.3 49.2 -5.72 -10.4
Processed food 41.2 41.7 41.5 0.9 49.0 7.25 17.4
Rubber Products 32.7 37.5 35.7 9.0 36.9 -0.62 -1.6
Other agricultures 20.5 20.2 27.0 31.9 34.8 14.61 72.4
Other manufactures 19.0 21.0 23.8 25.1 26.6 5.59 26.6
• Total import in 2020 : RM34.14 billion (USD8.15 billion)
• The import structures are mainly focused on;
o Electrical and electronic products (12.1%; RM850.7 million; USD204.2 million)
o Chemicals & chemical products (49.3%; RM500.1 million; USD120.9 million)
o Transport Equipment (5.7%; RM366.3 million; USD87.9 million)
o Natural Rubber (6.9%; RM299.2 million; USD71.8 million)
o Petroleum Products (143.6%; RM264.9 million; USD63.6 million)
• Imports are mainly due to the market demand from our Malaysian companies in the E&E, Transport Equipments,
Chemicals and Natural Rubber.
• The demand for automotive sector has also declined due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this,
Thailand remains as an important player in Electrical and Electronics related products and Automotive in the
ASEAN region.
l 28 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| LEGAL BRIEF
By Tilleke & Gibbins
On September 16, 2021, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) announced the consolidation of its list of
promoted digital activities into a single new category for development of software, platforms for digital
services, or digital content (5.10). When Announcement No. Sor. 4/2564 came into effect the following day,
the new category subsumed and replaced the previous categories of “software” (5.7), “e-commerce” (5.8),
and “digital services” (5.9).
The new category is entitled to A2-level incentives, which include a capped eight-year corporate income tax
(CIT) exemption along with other tax and non-tax incentives. For this category, the BOI has specified two
extraordinary allowances rarely seen in other promotional categories. The first is that the cap calculation for
the annual CIT exemption is based on the actual amount of prescribed expenses (e.g., 100% of remuneration
to Thai IT personnel and 200% of their training costs). The second is that the BOI will allow investment
projects under this category to include used machinery.
To be eligible for BOI promotion under the new digital activity category, projects must:
• hire new Thai IT personnel whose annual salary expenses combined equal at least THB 1.5 million
(approximately USD 44,275); and
• have a development process for the software, platform for digital services, or content to be carried out in
Thailand under BOI approval.
Investment projects under this new category are not eligible for additional merit-based incentives or for
investment promotion measures for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Projects that qualify for CIT exemption must derive their revenue from sales or services directly related to
the software, platforms for digital services, or digital content developed under BOI promotion. In addition,
the BOI specifies that retail or wholesale business (e.g., the sale of goods through the platform) is not
covered by the new category and therefore is not considered a BOI-promoted activity.
Companies seeking BOI promotion that also wish to apply for the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC)
scheme for human resources development must notify the BOI when submitting the promotion application.
Once a promoted project has been approved, that request cannot be amended.
For more details on BOI promotion for digital activities, or on any aspect of investment promotion in Thailand,
please contact Napassorn Lertussavavivat at napassorn.l@tilleke.com or +66 2056 5662, or Sorawit
Partomtanasarn at sorawit.p@tilleke.com or +66 2056 5532.
Napassorn Lertussavavivat
Associate
napassorn.l@tilleke.com
Sorawit Partomtanasarn
Associate
sorawit.p@tilleke.com
l 29 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| LEGAL BRIEF
By Tilleke & Gibbins
On September 15, 2021, Thailand’s Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced a prospective
new scheme that will enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and startups in Thailand to raise funds
through public offerings. The SEC regulations to implement this new scheme are expected by the first quarter
of 2022.
Since 2019, the SEC has allowed SMEs and startups in Thailand to raise funds via private placements or
crowdfunding. The new SEC scheme will allow SMEs and startups to raise funds on a larger scale via a
new type of public offering (the so-called SME-PO). The SEC also plans to establish the “SME Board,” a
secondary market for trading the stocks of SMEs.
Under the new SEC scheme, SMEs and startups that wish to proceed with an SME-PO must be structured
as public companies with investor protection mechanisms in accordance with the Public Company Act B.E.
2535 (1992). Although SEC representatives have previously indicated that SME-POs would be subject to
an information-based approach instead of the normal approval process for public offerings, the September
15 announcement does not detail this further, beyond noting that the SEC may deem it appropriate in future
to relax certain requirements such as filing for approval, appointment of an independent financial advisor,
and fees.
Investors in public offerings for SMEs and startups must be sophisticated investors who are risk-tolerant
and well capitalized, such as institutional investors, private equity or venture capital firms, angel investors,
or an SMEs’ own directors, employees, or affiliates.
Tilleke & Gibbins will continue to follow the development of regulations for SME-POs, as the rules and criteria
described here are still subject to change. For more information on fundraising alternatives for SMEs
and startups, or on any aspect of capital markets regulations in Thailand, please contact Onunya Chanpen
at onunya.c@tilleke.com or Kobkit Thienpreecha at kobkit.t@tilleke.com.
Onunya Chanpen
Senior Associate
onunya.c@tilleke.com
Kobkit Thienpreecha
Partner
kobkit.t@tilleke.com
l 30 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
By Samitivej Hospitals
| HEALTH CORNER
HIGHLIGHTS:
• Everybody must continue social distancing to prevent a
second wave of the disease. This is particularly important as
children start their new school term.
• Encourage personal hygiene among children by teaching
them the importance of frequently washing their hands and
not touching their faces, including the eyes and mouth, due to
the increased risk of infection.
• Receiving the influenza vaccination can build immunity and
reduce the risk of respiratory infections, which is important
because COVID-19 is also an infection that affects the lungs
and respiratory tract. Preventing two infections from attacking
your respiratory tract at the same time can help keep you safe.
The COVID-19 situation in Thailand has improved significantly, with many shopping centers once more open for business,
giving people the opportunity to get out of the house.
However, it is vital that everyone strictly adhere to social distancing measures when venturing out to keep themselves and
others safe. It is also an exciting time for children, as they await their school reopening and the chance to meet up with friends
and teachers they have not seen in a long time. Parents may feel uneasy about preparing their children for the return to school.
There have been news from other countries of children who have gone back to school only to contact COVID-19 and become
part of a second wave of the disease. So what can parents do to help keep their children safe?
Whether we are talking about COVID-19 or any other infectious disease, parents must understand and implement preventive
measures. There are often outbreaks of infections or diseases whenever a school reopens after its annual break. Such infections
traditionally include influenza, dengue fever, RSV, and hand, foot and mouth disease. Preventive measures, which can
keep both parents and their children free from illness and disease, remain of paramount importance.
The new normal and children
Preventing the contact of disease is no different for children than it is for adults, although infants may not realise the importance
of what they are being asked to do. Constant reminders and encouragement from their elders, until the positive behavior
becomes a habit, may be necessary to ensure children play their part in the new normal, whether at school, with friends or out
in public. In this way, they will eventually be able to maintain their happiness while staying free from disease. Measures to
follow include:
• Ensure social distancing by remaining at least 1-2 meters apart from other students and teachers, because there is no effective
way to tell where bacteria and germs may be present. This is what is meant by implementing a new way of life with physical
distancing.
• Sit apart while eating. Food shields and separation boards, like those found in shopping centers, provide protection against
coughs, sneezes and airborne saliva.
• Keep a safe distance when standing in line.
• Ensure personal hygiene is maintained by frequently washing hands.
• Do not touch your face, especially the mouth and eyes, as a virus could be present on your hands without your knowledge.
• Teach children to wear a mask at all times, especially in classrooms which are often air-conditioned and lack a steady air flow.
• If a child has symptoms, such as a fever of over 37.5⁰ Celsius, a runny nose, and/or cough, they should stay away from their
classmates and inform a teacher who can remove them from class and request the child’s parents to take them to the hospital
for a thorough diagnosis.
However, as we know all too well, children enjoy getting together and playing with their friends, making it essential that we
teach them how to stay safe and try to keep them occupied in other ways.
l 31 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
Continued page 32
By Samitivej Hospitals
| HEALTH CORNER
Wearing a mask and face shield in school
Wearing a face mask—whether it is a cloth mask or surgical
mask—is considered the most effective form of prevention.
Wearing a face shield on its own does not offer the same
level of protection because the opening at the bottom
provides a gap through which germs can escape or enter.
Thus, if only one of these can be worn, a cloth or surgical
mask is the safest option. However, if both are available they
should be worn together in order to provide the most effective
protection possible.
How can schools protect their students?
Schools are considered public spaces, so they should implement
measures aimed at keeping their students as safe as
possible:
• Maintain a suitable distance when lining students up,
whether it be for the national anthem or to enter classrooms.
• Place markers on the floor where lines are formed, including
the lunch area, stationery store, and café, to ensure
social distancing is maintained.
• Implement regular hand washing and disinfecting.
• Ensure students and teachers wear masks at all times.
• Organise classroom tables and chairs to maintain a
distance of at least 1-2 meters between students. Avoid
putting tables together for group work and ensure children
are not facing closely to one another.
• Schools may need to set up special public health boards to
manage the situation and ensure measures are adhered to.
They should consider placing signage throughout the school
grounds, and regularly communicating safety measures to
parents, guardians and children.
• For children in kindergarten, teachers should be taking them
to wash their hands before and after eating, as well as after
classroom activities. There will need to be a particular focus
on ensuring these children wear their masks at all times.
Continued from page 31
with their children. During this time, when many schools are
closed and travel is not possible, parents can maintain childhood
development by adhering to the following advice:
• Encourage children to maintain a routine while at home,
including waking up at a reasonable hour, bathing, brushing
teeth, dressing, eating regularly, helping with the housework,
playing sports and partaking in family activities. Such
activities should take place at designated times of the day or
as close to those times as possible.
• Set aside family time each day.
• Young infants should be taking part in activities aimed at
developing a comprehensive range of skills, such as gross
and fine motor skills, communication skills, independence,
self-help skills and social skills. These may involve play or
spending time with family members. Electronic device
usage should be limited as this can have a detrimental effect
on a child’s health and increase the chance of developing a
screen addiction.
• Parents may wish to take older children along when
grocery shopping, asking them to read product details or
work out discounts in order to aid their reading and mental
calculation skills. Going out will also help them get into the
habit of wearing a mask and frequently washing their hands.
• Some schools offer online tutoring or home schooling,
which requires parents to be available and assist their
children.
The new normal will require all of us to adjust our behaviors
as the world around us changes, but this can be beneficial
in helping our children stay fit, healthy and free from illness.
Boost your child’s immunity
• The influenza vaccine is recommended for children
because, similarly to COVID-19, influenza is an infection that
affects the lungs and respiratory tract. By building immunity
to the flu, we can keep the respiratory system strong in case
the child subsequently suffers from COVID-19.
• All children should receive the full complement of basic
essential vaccinations, including the IPD vaccine and
influenza vaccine, as these will strengthen their overall
immunity to disease.
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet.
• Get plenty of rest, including at least 8 hours of sleep per
night.
• Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water a day.
Maintaining childhood development during the
COVID-19 era
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many parents to work
from home, but this has also resulted in more time to spend
Author
Kakanang Jantarapagdee, M.D.,
Developmental and Behavioral
Pediatrics
l 32 MTCC NEWS l December 2021
| TRADE EVENTS Thailand & Malaysia
THAILAND 2022
February
March
April
9 - 11 February 2022
Tube Southeast ASIA Bangkok
Venue: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition
Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
www.tube-southeastasia.com
9 - 11 February 2022
Medical Fair Thailand Bangkok
Venue: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition
Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
www.medicalfair-thailand.com
14 - 16 February 2022
Pumps & Valves Asia Bangkok
Venue: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition
Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
www.pumpsandvalves-asia.com
1- 2 March 2022
Last Mile ASEAN Bangkok
Venue: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition
Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
www.lastmileasean.com
9 - 12 March 2022
Metalex Bangkok
Venue: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition
Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
www.metalex.co.th
24 - 27 March 2022
Printing & Packaging Expo
Venue: IMPACT Exhibition Center, Nonthaburi
www.ptpackexpo.com
23 March - 3 April 2022
Bangkok International Motor Show
Venue: IMPACT Exhibition Center, Nonthaburi
https://bangkok-motorshow.com/
Expected April 2022
Asia Print Expo 2022
Venue: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition
Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
http://www.fespa.com/
Expected April 2022
Thailand Auto Parts & Accessories
Venue: Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition
Centre (BITEC), Bangkok
www.thailandautopartsfair.com
MALAYSIA 2022
February March April
21 - 23 February 2022
IPTC
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC),
Kuala Lumpur
https://www.iptcnet.org
22 - 24 February 2022
ASEAN Ports & Shipping
Venue :InterContinental, Kuala Lumpur
https://www.transportevents.com
25 - 27 February 2022
TCE Wedding Expo
Venue: Mid Valley Exhibition Centre Mid Valley
Megamall, Kuala Lumpur
https://www.tcewedding.com.my/
8 - 11 March 2022
Malaysian International Furniture Fair
Venue :MITEC & WTCKL, Kuala Lumpur
https://https://2021.miff.com.my/
9 - 12 March 2022
EFE Export Furniture Exhibition
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC),
Kuala Lumpur
https://www.efe.my/about-efe
16 - 19 March 2022
MARVEX Kuala Lumpur
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre (KLCC),
Kuala Lumpur
https://marvex.my
29 March - 1 April 2022
FHM Food & Hotel
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
(KLCC), Kuala Lumpur
https://www.foodandhotel.com
8 - 10 April 2022
HOMEDEC Penang
Venue: Setia SPICE Arena, Penang
https://homedec.com.my/
15 - 18 April 2022
Malaysia International Jewellery Fair
Venue: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre
(KLCC),
Kuala Lumpur
http://mijf.com.my
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