ScandAsia Thailand - July 2012

JUL 2012
Thailand
Amazing
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Opinion
2012 European Business Position Paper
– A Timely Initiative
Maintaining cross sector growth is widely recognised as a
fundamental economic goal. In Thailand, both historically
and currently, bilateral trade with Europe has long been
an important factor in the Kingdom’s continuing economic
growth and the accompanying social development. To
achieve the necessary sustainability, it is essential that trade
brings with it more than short-term mutual gain. Today, as
the European ASEAN Business Centre (EABC) presents its
first Position Paper, the relevance of an equable trading environment
is brought sharply into focus by the need to be
adequately prepared for the integration that will result from
the advent of the Asean Economic Community in 2015.
Grasping the potential of the ‘Asian Century’
Opportunities in what has been described as the ‘Asian
Century’ are as numerous as they are diverse with the
biggest rewards favouring the prepared. Maximising potential
will need both entrepreneurial vision and a flexible
economic and regulatory framework based on transparency.
Investment must be rewarded by appropriate taxation
initiatives, fair valuations, and ease of doing business
across all sectors.
Established specifically to strengthen European-Thai
economic relations and to support a more keenly competitive
Thailand, EABC is now poised to do just that. The
current Eurozone problems and the need for European
business in general to stimulate growth is likely to result
in greater diversification of risk with many more European
companies seeking to benefit from the now well
established financial and operational advantages offered by
Thailand, plus the significant opportunity for growth, and
further regional expansion it also provides.
Thailand’s ‘Upper Middle Income’ Status should be a
Spur to Further Liberalisation
Historically, an increase in foreign direct investment is accompanied
by an increase in competition to attract Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) with incentives and removal
of restrictions. Successive Royal Thai governments have
already implemented a range of important tax incentives,
support services improvements, and import duty exemptions.
These are to be welcomed, but to surpass the country’s
current ‘Upper Middle Income’ status, more needs to
be done, especially in the service sector. And to ensure
the kingdom can compete equally with its regional peers
in areas crucial to long-term competiveness, the following
specific issues should be addressed:
• Negotiations on the Thailand – EU Free Trade Agreement
(FTA)
• Easing of doing business and trade facilitation
• Progressive liberalisation of Services Sector
• Development of a robust and effective IP (Intellectual
Property) regime.
Thailand – EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
The need for Thailand to be able to fully benefit from
the better access and more secure business opportunities
available under this agreement means that negotiations
should begin as soon as possible to ensure that completed
agreements by other ASEAN countries do not disadvantage
the kingdom.
Easing of doing business and trade facilitation
The AEC implementation and the inevitable increase in
trade and freer flow of goods and services, investment,
capital and skilled labour, also require a trading environment
marked by a fully liberalised services sector especially
in ICT, insurance, banking and finance and the increasingly
important area of transport and logistics.
Supportive IP regime essential
In such a dynamic environment, a robust and effective IP
regime that supports R&D, creativity and innovation becomes
essential as the country moves forward economically
and socially.
SME Sector
Thailand is also commonly seen as falling behind its neighbours
in the SME sector with lack of skilled and qualified
labour a major contributory factor to its ills. A comprehensive
programme to address this issue is an important
first step, and one that EABC also sees as greater opportunity
for further cooperation between European investors,
their Thai business partners, and local government
agencies.
Increasing importance of Thailand as a direct investment
destination and as a regional springboard
FDI in Thailand has brought with it a range of benefits
that includes local employment, a better standard of living
and economic prosperity, as well as technology and skills
transfer. Many of the European companies that have established
a strong presence in Thailand have also realised
the potential of the Kingdom to act as a manufacturing
and distribution hub for the region and beyond.
The ten-nation ASEAN community is home to some
600 million people with a current combined GDP in excess
of US$ 1.5 trillion. The unique strategic advantage
of access to this huge market adds an extra string to
Thailand’s competitive bow and is one that EABC will
also actively promote in its on-going efforts to encourage
more European business investment in the Kingdom
through the changes of laws and regulations enabling Thai
companies to expand in ASEAN from its Thai base.
Towards a more competitive trading environment in
Thailand
A fundamental principle of a healthy competitive business
environment is that it should be based on fairness and
openness. In particular, as more and more investment
opportunities arise, bringing with them increased local
employment and indirect social and economic benefit it
becomes essential that such opportunities are encouraged
to achieve their maximum potential unhindered
by discriminatory practices and unfair restrictions. While
Thailand is urged to expedite its steps to trade liberalisation,
the European business and investor community
should focus on long-term, sustainable investment in the
country – a course of action that assures mutual benefit
at all levels and results in not just what is good for business,
but also what is good for society.
An inspirational spark
A structured approach to relevant recommendations is
proposed in this first EABC Position Paper address fundamental
economic, trade and investment attractiveness
issues. To take both a cross - sectoral and a sector –
specific approach recommending regulatory and legislative
changes and reform towards competitiveness and
enhanced trade and investment. It is also hoped it will
provide the spark to initiate the process of achieving increased
European investment in Thailand as the Kingdom
seeks to strengthen its regional and international competitiveness.
At the same time, distinguished speakers at
the launch event itself add their voices and present their
perspectives while panellists later look at the many challenges
and discuss the way forward in a spirit of cooperation
and optimism.
The above EABC Policy
Brief was published in
connection with the
launch on 28 June 2012
of the first European
business Position Paper
listing key trade and
investment issues with
recommendations
in support of a
competitive economy
in Thailand. For
membership or other
inquiries, contact:
European-ASEAN Business Centre (EABC)
25 th Floor, Empire Tower,
195 South Sathorn Road, Yannawa, Sathorn,
Bangkok 10120 – Thailand
Phone: +66 2670 0624 l Fax: +66 2670 0608
Email: office@eabc-thailand.eu l www.eabc-thailand.eu

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CONTENTS JULY
2012
18
20
8
10
14
18
20
22
24
26
30
Coming Events
Past Events
ScandAsia News Brief
Amazing Animation
Danish Culinary Delights
at Intercontinental Hua Hin
Norwegian Missionaries Balance Christianity
and Buddhism
Ruins Turned into Expensive Homes
Inspiration & Promotion
Sudoku & Potato Au Gratin
22
24
30

Coming Events
Thailand
Engineering
Expo 2012
Date: 12-15 July 2012
Location: Challenger 3, IMPACTMuang Thong Thani
The Expo will feature Thailand’s key engineering exhibition and
conference platform covering across 9 engineering disciplines,
such as Computer Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical
Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mining & Petroleum Engineering,
Environmental Engineering, Automotive Engineering, Mechanical
Engineering, and Multi-Engineering.
For more information, visit www.impact.co.th
or www.engineer2012.eit.or.th
Visit Thai Asia Pacific Brewery
Factory
Date: 13 July 2012,
2.00 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Bus leaves from
STCC’s office at
Lake Rajada Office
Complex
(near to BTS Asoke) to
TAPB Brewery – 1.30 pm
Members of the Nordic Chambers of Commerce may join the Singapore
Thai Chamber of Commerce (STCC) on a visit to the factory that makes
Heineken, Tiger and Cheers beer to witness the selection of premium raw
materials carefully blended with the factory’s own secret recipe to result in
their globally unique and consistent tasting brew. Free for Members and 300
BHT Nett for Non-members.
For further information, please visit www.norcham.com
Requiem for the Mother of Songs
Concert
Date:
Location:
24-25 July 2012, Doors open at 7.30 p.m.
Main Hall, Thailand Cultural Centre
Princess GalyaniVadhana Institute of Music, in collaboration with the Department of Cultural
Promotion (Ministry of Culture) and the Bangkok Opera Foundation will organize one of Thailand’s
most ambitious classical world premieres “Requiem for the Mother of Songs”.
Composed and conducted by Distinguished SilpathornKittikhun Artist Maestro Somtow-
Sucharitkul as a memorial to HRH Princess GalyaniVadhana and her musical legacy, the classical
masterpiece will be performed on 24 and 25 July 2012. Admission is free.To receive free tickets,
visit www.galyanirequiem.com or call (02) 158-9292.
Thailand
Health & Wellness 2012
Date:
Location:
26-29 July 2012, 10 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.
Hall 5-6, IMPACTMuang Thong Thani
The exhibition will demonstrate up-to-date innovations on medicals
and health care, which will be displayed in 4 zones; From
unborn child to healthy baby Zone, From teenage to complete
mature Zone, Working age Zone, Senior Zone (appropriate for
adults over 60).
Free health check-up service including health advice and
knowledge will be provided by specialists and shelf display which
will be categorized in 4 groups; Food, Healthy, Exercise and Emotion.
For more information, visit www.impact.co.th
or www.thailandhealthandwellness.com
Thailand’s Private Sector Collective
Action Against Corruption
Date: 7 August 2012
Location: Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit
Joint Chambers Breakfast Seminar- “Thailand’s Private Sector Collective
Action Against Corruption” with Dr. BandidNijathworn, Thai Institute of
Directors Association (IOD) President and CEO.
More information to come.Meanwhile, stay tuned and
visit the chamber’s website. www.dancham.or.th
8 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

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Swedish Midsummer Celebration in Bangkok
The Rembrandt Hotel once again proudly
hosted the annual Swedish Midsummer
celebration in coordination with the Thai-
Swedish chamber of commerce in Bangkok on
Saturday June 16. More than a hundred people
from the local Swedish community joined the
event to celebrate the afternoon with friends
and families at pool side and da Vinci Italian
restaurant.
The food was specially prepared by Executive
Chef Andrew Mann and his team with
specialty homemade treats such as a selection
of fresh baked European breads, traditional
smoked salmon “gravad lax”, in-housed apple
wood smoked salmon, Swedish kalleskaviar,
herring, janssons Temptation, Swedish meat
balls served with cream sauce, Swedish apple
cake and much more.
Kids also joined in the celebration with a
special BBQ station, pizza, pommes frites and
an entire program of games, song and dancing.
In attendance were prominent members
of the Swedish community such as Peter Bjork,
Executive Director of Thai Swedish Chamber
of Commerce, Bjorn Richardson, the General
Manager of Oakwood and Rembrandt’s General
Manager Eric Hallin.
The Rembrandt thanked the sponsors of
the event, Oriflame and Swedish School Association
of Bangkok whose support helped to
make this event a memorable one.
Danish Women’s Skt Hans Party
Skt Hans is the Danish way to celebrate
Midsummer. This year, Danish Women’s
Network celebrated Skt Hans in great
style with Danish hotdogs with crispy fried
onions and all the trimmings - and of course
a bonfire and the song “Vi elsker vort land...”
Charwoman Karin Sarfelt and husband Jan
had once again opened their garden in Lake
Side Villa for the celebration.
The only unusual thing about this year’s
celebration was the date - the 16 June - which
was one week ahead of the actual day - the
23 June. But this was the most practical and
ensured maximum participation before maany
of the members went back for their summer
vacation in Denmark.
Hostess of the evening and Chairwoman of
DWN Karin Hykkelbjerg Sarfelt with Maibrit
Wolgast and Line Jacobsen.
10 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

Danish Constitution Speech in Bangkok
Mads Beyer, Counsellor (Political)
and Deputy Head of
Mission at the Royal Danish
Embassy in Bangkok, was guest
speaker at the regular once-a-month
Wednesday Dinner of DABGO
Bangkok on 6 June 2012 at Admiral’s
Pub & Restaurant in Sukhumvit Soi
29, Bangkok.
The Counsellor spoke on the
subject of the Danish Constitution
as it was the day after the Danish
Constitution Day - a national holiday
in Denmark with a tradition of
speeches on various aspects of the
constitution.
Mr. Beyer outlined the structure
and main focus of the Constitution
and gave his assessment why the
constitution was not likely to be
changed anytime in the foreseeable
future even just to modernize the
language.
The discussion after his speech
touched on issues like voting rights
for Danes living abroad and the
reduction in Danish pensions for
Danes living outside the EFTA countries.
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July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 11

Last Dancham Networking Event Before
the Summer Held at Chatrium Hotel
On Wednesday 20 June, the Chatrium
Hotel Riverside Bangkok together with
Nordea Bank kindly sponsored the last
networking evening for members and friends of
Danish-Thai Chamber of Commerce before heading
home to Scandinavia for vacations.
Held at the Chatrium Hotel, more than 40
participants enjoyed the surroundings of the hotel
and its facilities with a spectacular view over
the river. Plenty of food and beverages were
available.
In attendance were prominent members
of the chamber such as, Senior Vice President
Group Manufacturing and Managing Director of
Pandora, Mr. Thomas Nyborg, Senior Advisor of
Aker Solutions, Mr. SomkiatInthong, Financial and
Administration Controller of Nederman, Mr. PisitPittayanurak,
Nordea Private Banking, Mr. Eric
Pedersen and many more.
During the event, Mr. Thomas Nyborg, who
is also Chairman of the Chambers’20 th Anniversary,
thanked the sponsors for generously supporting
this event. But more importantly and due
to one third of the attendees were guests and
non-members, Mr. Nyborg underlined a very important
fact for all members and non-members
regarding the costs of becoming one.
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12 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

Nordic Chambers Host CSR Event
The Nordic Chambers in
Thailand gathered on
Thursday June 14 for a
breakfast seminar on Corperate
Social Responsibility (CSR).
Guest speaker Mr. Thomas H.
Nyborg, Managing Director for
Pandora Production in Thailand,
shared his own personal insight
upon the topic CSR – what is it
and who cares?
After an informative seminar
- on behalf of the Nordic
Chambers - Mrs. Mai Ellegaard,
Board Member of DanCham,
thanked Mr. Nyborg for his
presentation and handed over
a small gift as a token of appreciation.
To end the seminar, there
was a Q&A-session, where
several interesting and relevant
questions were put forth and
answered, including on corruptions
impact on CSR.
July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 13

ScandAsia News Brief
Swedish
Ambassador Visits
Chiang Mai
Swedish Honorary
Consulate Opens
in Hua Hin
Sweden opened an Honorary Swedish Consulate in Hua Hin on
18 June 2012. The Honorary Consul in Hua Hin will be the 61
year old Khun Victor Sukseree, General Manager of the 5-star
hotel Dusit Thani Hotel for the last 22 years.
The approval of the new Honorary Consulate in Hua Hin was
given already in 2009, but due to changing governments the paperwork
took more time than expected. However, the final papers were signed
in April by the Thai authorities on behalf of the Royal Thai government.
The consulate will hold an official opening in September, but is in
fact already open and providing its services.
The Swedish Honorary Consulate in Hua Hin will have the provinces
of Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khirikhan as its working areas.
Swedish Ambassador Klas Molin visited Chiang Mai on
Thursday, June 7, attending the press conference for the
European Union Film Festival Chiang Mai 2012.
The Ambassador also attended the Swedish National Day
reception at Chedi Hotel arranged by the Swedish Honorary
Consulate in Chiang Mai.
Consuls, officials and the Chairman of the Board of Trade
in Chiang Mai attended the reception where the Ambassador
held the opening speech.
Swedish Navy
Commander
Visits Thailand
By Wachiraporn Janrut
Admiral of the Fleet (ADMF) Surasak Hrunroengrom, Royal
Thai Navy Commander, recently welcomed Rear Amiral
(RADM) Jan Thornqvist, Royal Swedish Navy Commander,
at the reception room in the royal Thai Navy Headquarters at the
original palace, Bangkok on June 11.
14 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

Aung San
Suu Kyi
Visited
Norway
Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize
laureate and democracy icon of Burma/Myanmar
visited Norway in June
where among other things held her speech
as Nobel Peace Prize recipient.
During the busy trip, Aung San Suu Kyi also
took part in the Oslo Forum Mediators’ retreat,
together with Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas
Garh Store and U2 front man, Bono.
The Oslo Forum gathers around 100
mediators and other key actors in peace processes
all over the world. Mr Store, Ms Suu
Kyi and Bono took part in a panel debate at
the opening of the Forum
The main theme of this year’s meeting was
the role of dialogue in transition. The participants
will be offered insights into the transition processes
in Myanmar, Egypt, Tunisia and Libya.
Other participants at the Oslo Forum include
Swedish Foreign Minister Carl Bildt, Myanmar’s
Minister of Industry U Soe Thane, President of
the International Crisis Group Louise Arbour,
Head of the Philippines Office of the Presidential
Adviser on the Peace Process in the Philippines
Teresita Quintos Deles and Commissioner for
Peace and Security in the African Union Ramtane
Lamamra.
The objective of the Oslo Forum is to
share practical experience of mediating between
parties in conflict with a view to improving
the international community’s ability
to address armed conflict. It is an important
part of Norway’s work to systematize and
professionalize international peace efforts.
This year’s meeting is the tenth in a row,
and is organized in cooperation between the
Norwegian Foreign Ministry and the Centre
for Humanitarian Dialogue, which is based in
Geneva.
Thai Royal Elephant’s 50 Years Jubilee
Celebrated at Copenhagen Zoo
By Wachiraporn Janrut
Organized by the Thai Embassy in Denmark and Copenhagen Zoo,
the Thai Royal Elephant’s 50 years jubilee was celebrated on May
31 in the presence of Prince Henrik of Denmark and his four grandchildren.
Copenhagen has a long tradition of breeding elephants going back to
1878 when the Zoo received its first two elephants from Danish Consul
F.C.C. Koebke and later other elephans followed.
In 1962, King Rama IX of Thailand presented two elephants “Chiang Mai”
and “Buag Hag” as gift to King Frederik IX and Queen Ingrid after a royal visit
to Thailand.
Chiang Mai - 53 years old this year - is still at the zoo today.
In 2001, King Rama IX of Thailand offered three more elephants to Danish
monarchy to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. Next
year two elephants from these Royal Thai elephants will be born at Copenhagen
zoo.
The celebration started at 5.00pm on May 31. The zoo was closed for the
day. ‘Kasetsart Jazz Ensemble’ had been flown in from Thailand to perform Jazz
music at the special event where only 150 guests were invited.
July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 15

ScandAsia News Brief
Swedish Festival 2012
at Megabangna
The first Swedish Festival in Thailand
was held at Megabangna on June 1-10,
showcasing Swedish culture and way
of life through ‘Live Swedish Life’ exhibition, a
range of cultural performances, special workshops
and activities as well as Swedish Jazz
concert.
The Fashion Galleria on Level 1 of Megabangna
was decorated with a troop of colorful
Dala Horses, the sweet symbol of Swedish
culture and craft and lush green ambience
of simulated world-famous Gothenburg Botanical
Garden. The stage featured a range
of cultural performances like Mid-Summer
Dance, Swedish Little Frog and traditional
Swedish costume display.
Participating Thai and foreign visitors engaged
themselves in Swedish culture in several
workshops and activities like the making
of a mid-summer head wreath, playing of
traditional Swedish games, etc.
The Swedish Jazz Festival was held as
part of the event, featuring concert and
workshops by leading Swedish Jazz artists
such as Camilla Lundstedt, Ulf Wakenius, Eric
Wakenius, and Jonathan Fritzén. Jamming on
stage were well-known local jazz artists like
Koh Mr. Saxman, The Infinity member Passakorn
Morasilpin and Neung Jakkawal.
Aker Solutions with
New Service
Base in
Thailand
Norwegian Aker Solutions has opened new workshop
for lifecycle services and refurbishment in Thailand.
The new centre will support Aker Solutions' surface
wellheads and tree businesses and further boost Aker Solutions'
presence in the Asia Pacific region.
"Aker Solutions has invested heavily to support the
growth of the Asia Pacific region. This service base is a response
to several new orders and recognition of the growing
market demand. We are now even more capable of serving
our clients,” says Dave Hutchinson, Aker Solutions' president
of the Asia Pacific subsea business.
The new workshop replaces two other service bases in
Thailand and aims to consolidate Aker Solutions' lifecycle
services in Thailand under one roof. The new facility has a
total area of 3.225 sqm.
16 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

Sweden to Expand its Investments
in Thailand
By Wachiraporn Janrut
Deputy Minister of Commerce in Thailand Mr. Siriwat Kajornprasart
recently held a meeting with Swedish Deputy Minister
of Commerce Mr. Gunnar Oom to discuss future Swedish
business investments in Thailand.
According to Mr. Siriwat, Sweden plans to expand its investments
in Thailand. Volvo, for example, plans to relocate its trucks production
base from China to Thailand. Electrolux also plans to move its
production of refrigerators to Thailand. There are also other Swedish
companies, especially those in technological and environmental related
businesses, planning to invest in Thailand. However, Mr. Oom expressed
his concerns regarding limitations of Thai laws and regulations
for foreign investments.
Mr. Siriwat listened and is prepared to cooperate and work out the
best solutions, reported the media after the meeting.
The Swedish government is following the ‘Joint Plan of Action’ that
was a few year ago set up between Thailand and Sweden covering the
areas of politics, economics, agriculture, security, environmental technology,
energy, tourism, and education.
Cheaper to Apply for
a Visa to Denmark
By Dennis Krog
The Danish embassy in Bangkok has lowered the price for visa
applications for Denmark. From now on the price is 790 Baht
instead of 1.080 Baht.
The chance is the result of negotiations between the Danish
Foreign Ministry and VFS Global, the company handling the visa applications
for Denmark.
“It has been important for the Danish Foreign Ministry to eliminate
the difference between the price for visa applications to the
Nordic countries,” the Danish Embassy in Thailand explains.
With the lower price Denmark is now charging the same as
Norway. Sweden is still cheaper, as they only charge 535 Baht,
which has to do with Denmark and Norway leaving more of the
work to VFS than Sweden.
July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 17

Amazing Anim
18 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

ation
Picture This Studio is a Danish owned
animation studio in Bangkok, which has
world famous LEGO as its main customer.
The animation studio employs 35 people at
the moment, but the master plan includes an
animation city and hundreds of employees.
By Dennis Krog
Photos by Disraporn Yatprom
lieves that Picture This Studio could
have a future in the historic building,
given the right circumstances.
Picture This Studio has come
a long way in only a few months,
and with LEGO supplying work for
many years to come, the company
that turns scripts into 3D animations,
certainly can allow themselves
to set the bar high.
The company is a three way partnership
between the original founder
Poul Riishede, who two years ago
teamed up with M2FILM with the
Danish entrepreneur Mads Munk
and former head of DR and Nordisk
Film, Kenneth Plummer in charge.
Shortly into that cooperation Danish
businessman Kasper Kragelund was
brought in to finalize the partnership,
Kasper Kragelund, Partner
and head of sales and
business development
at Picture This Studio in
Bangkok has bigger plans
than the current 35 people operation,
much bigger plans.
“The master plan is establishing
an animation city in Bangkok, we’re
using the work title Pixity. We already
had an architect make some
drawings and a computer generated
model. In Pixity we plan on housing
500 people living and working
there,” he says as a matter of fact.
Kasper Kragelund adds that the
company has fallen in love with the
former EAC building from the turn
of the century next to Oriental Hotel
on the Chao Phaya river. He beand
since then, the Bangkok based
company has been growing at a rate
unheard of in the business.
Started three years ago
Picture This Studio is located in the
trendy Thonglor area of Bangkok, and
in one of the offices the founder and
now partner Poul Riishede is in his
own relaxed way wearing a t-shirt and
shorts, looking back at the beginning.
“Well it is only three years ago we
just had two employees, me and my
wife,” says Poul Riishede and smiles as
if he doesn’t believe it himself.
The family company however
quickly grew as Picture This Studio
got an order from Duckling, a company
in the M2Film portfolio. That
job went well for Poul Riishede and
his now handful of animators, so
well that M2FILM wanted him to
come to Denmark for a meeting.
“After the talks with M2FILM, we
agreed on an equally shared partnership.
Soon after we then took Kasper
Kragelund onboard as a third partner.
I am the creative part of the business,
M2FILM brings in the business, and
Kasper is working to make the business
grow,” says Poul Riishede.
Just after completing the partnership,
Picture This Studio started
growing rapidly, and it was difficult
for the somewhat unknown company
to attract staff, but with LEGO
as a costumer and the possibility to
work together with some of the best
in the business, the situation changed
for the company, which is now an
attractive place to work. The short
history of Picture This Studio shows
that when you start working there,
you don’t want to leave again.
The staff is valuable
Walking around the offices of Picture
This Studio you will find people walking
in and out of different doors, some
guy is playing a little tune on a guitar
and a set of small drums are waiting to
be picked up at another table.
“It’s important for us that we
have a very informal atmosphere
here, only that way ideas flow freely,
and if you need to play the guitar
to be creative, then go ahead,” says
Poul Riishede, who knows it’s not a
normal part of the culture in a Thai
company to just walk into the boss
and tell him about your newest
idea, but in the young environment
of Picture This Studio, and with the
encouragement from senior staff,
Poul Riishede says it works perfectly.
The informal environment seems
to work for the staff as well as only
one employee has resigned so far.
That was a demand from the mother
of the employee, as she didn’t feel
that the work at Picture This Studio
could be considered a “real” job.
“We do our best to treat our staff
well. They get free lunch and drinks;
we go on trips, have barbeque-nights
or just go to the movies. We do that
because we are dependent on them,”
says Poul Riishede, who has the daily
contact with the employees, where
the two other partners have different
roles to fill within the partnership, a diversity
which is seen as an advantage
in the company.
Using each other’s
strengths
Picture This Studio is a young company;
the business is young, the employees
are young, and the three-way
partnership is young, but although
that might be true Kasper Kragelund
does not foresee any teething problems
in the foreseeable future.
“The strength in this partnership
is our different areas of interest. It is
quite simple; the partnership builds on
us trusting the others in being experts
on what they do. I would never have
any doubt in Poul when it comes to
the quality of our products, and I am
pretty sure that he would not disagree
with me when I show him a cash-flow
analysis,” says Kasper Kragelund, who
– if all goes according to plan - could
be doing his next interview out of an
office in the former EAC building.
July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 19

Danish Culinary Deli
at Intercontinental H
Danish celebrity
Chef Rasmus Kofoed
created a unique
six course dinner
for 47 distinguished
guests at the
Intercontinental
Hua Hin Resort on
Saturday 23 June
2012. The delicacies
were introduced
personally one by
one by Chef Rasmus
assisting the guests in
appreciating also the
more subtle flavours
of the ingredients.
By Gregers Moller
Photos by Disraporn Yatprom
Chef Rasmus Kofoed concentrates
on the decoration of the veal creation
together with his two assistants.
20 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

ghts
ua Hin
The Intercontinental Hua
Hin Resort had arranged
for the unique Celebrity
Chef Dinner as a charity
evening in support
of HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn’s
foundation and eventually the event
contributed one million Thai Baht.
The dinner took place in a special
part of the luxury resort named
La Residence, an exquisite heritage
building designed in tune with the
famed King Rama VI Summer Palace.
Here Ramus Kofoed had taken over
the kitchen together with his two
traveling assistants, Christoffer Brink
Pedersen and Nanna Rubin Galloe.
The host of the evening was Suwat
Liptapanlop, a Minister in several
Thai governments during the past
18 years and the owner of the Intercontinental
Hua Hin Resort. Among
the guests were many similarly well
known high society people, including
the Danish Ambassador Mikael
Hemniti Winther and his wife Rattanawadee
Winther.
The dinner turned out to be in
fact Chef Rasmus Kofoed’s third dinner
arranged recently in Thailand by
his Manager Karsten Kroman. The
first had been a private dinner for
Suwat Liptapanlop and the second
had been an exclusive garden dinner
for HRH Maha Chakri Sirindhorn
held in Kantary Hills hotel in
Chiang Mai.
“This second event was indeed
a very special event,” Rasmus Kofoed
added.
On both occasion he had been
assisted by his two Danish travelling
chefs who felt most privileged to be
selected for these star appearances
in the international world of gourmet
excellence.
“When working with Rasmus
you learn something all the time,”
said Christoffer Brink, who had just
been accompanying him on a visit to
Cannes where the Danish Bocuse
d’Or Bronze winner, Silver winner
and finally in 2011 winner of the
Gold Medal had created the opening
dinner at the Cannes Film Festival.
Asked whether being a visiting
Chef could be compared to being
conductor of a symphony orchestra,
he agreed.
“Maybe I am gesticualting a bit
more hectic and articulate in the
kitchen as their visiting conductor but
that is only because unlike an orchestra
we don’t have time to rehearse
this kind of dinner,” Rasmus laughed.
“I think it is important for Rasmus
to bring assistants along who
have worked with him for some
time,” added Nanna Rubin Galloe,
who has been working with Rasmus
Kofoed first in his Geranium restaurant
in Rosenborg Gardens for two
years and then for the past another
two years in his new Geranium
restaurant in the office towers of
Parken Stadium in Copenhagen.
Rasmus Koofoed explained
about the dinner, that most of the
ingredients he had brought with him
from Denmark. Exceptions were
the raw crab meat, some of the edible
flowers and some herbs that he
had sourced locally.
Creating dinners abroad was
inspiring, he said and rewarding because
the world of gastronomy was
not limited by languages. But he had
not experienced something gastronomically
during his visit here that
he would now go home and try to
re-create in Copenhagen.
“It doesn’t work like that,” he
explained.
“I get a lot of gastronomical input
from going abroad, but I don’t
know how it will influence my creations
back in Copenhagen. Suddenly
in the future I might get the
idea to add a specific flavour or an
ingredient to a dish and then realize
that this is a reminiscence of the trip
to Thailand this summer.”
What that could be, would be
incidental, he added.
“But I can mention that we during
this trip have tried giant red ant
eggs soup and duck’s tongue.”
Unfortunately, this reporter was
too surprised to ask how he liked it.
Highlights of the dinner was a
Norwegian lobster and soup based
on Danish hay cheese.
“Hay cheese,” we were told, “is
cheese made from milk from cows
being fed on hay during both winter
and summer which the cows prefer
and that makes the cheese tastier.”
A personal favorite of mine was
the veal with juniper and red beets
on the side and the climax, a desert
with liquorices pudding topped
with among others raspberrries and
a mousse of red berries sprinkled
with crackling sugar.
Ambassador Mikael Hemniti Winther and his wife Ratanawadee listens to
Chef Rasmus’ introduction to the next dish.
Napalai Areesorn, Editor-in-chief of Thailand Tatler,
Mrs. Ratanawadee Hemniti Winther and her husband Mikael together with
the host Mr. Suwat Liptapanlop, the owner of Intercontinental Hua Hin Resort.
July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 21

Norwegian
Missionaries Balance
Christianity
and
Buddhism
Oyvind Hauge and
family moved to
Mukdaharn province
in the Northeast of
Thailand last year.
He is a missionary
for the Norwegian
Mission Society
(NMS) and the sole
teacher at NMS’
Norwegian school
and missionary.
Oyvind tries very
hard to find “the best
of the two cultures”
for his students. To
him, the combination
is very important.
By Miklos Bolza
Equality and humbleness
are essential for Christians
wanting to integrate into
Thai society, says
Oyvind, a teacher and
missionary for the Norwegian Mission
Society (NMS). This attitude has
successfully enabled Oyvind to reach
out to locals in Thailand’s Mukdahan
province.
“When we show respect for the
Thai religion a nd culture, it’s easier to
connect with them if they wish to find
out more about us and our beliefs.”
The Move to Isan
NMS is a Lutheran organisation which
has been operating in the provinces of
Mukdahan and Ubon Ratchathani for
30 years. A number of missionaries
have brought their families with them
and the Norwegian School Mukdahan
was opened as a result.
Oyvind, his wife and three children
moved there in August 2011.
After working as a teacher of troubled
youths for several years, his funding
was cut causing him to seek out new
opportunities abroad.
After a long-term teacher, Kari
Sollie, left the Norwegian School
Mukdahan, Oyvind gladly accepted
the role. He plans to work there until
April 2013 and will stay on further if
his children are happy in Thailand.
A Question of Where?
The school itself was first located
in Phibun in the province of Ubon
Ratchathani. This was a small town
with very little growth so the decision
was made in 2007 to relocate
it to the larger and more developed
city of Mukdahan.
These days it is situated within
St. Joseph’s Catholic School found
in the north of the provincial capital.
Here, NMS rents two rooms where
students can learn from a qualified
Norwegian teacher.
The site of St. Joseph’s was chosen
because it is one of the best
schools in North-eastern Thailand,
regularly achieving high scores in
national tests. Its facilities, teachers
and grades are all excellent when
compared to other schools in the
region.
Mukdahan is also seen as a city
which is rapidly growing due to its
proximity to the Second Thai-Lao
Friendship Bridge. Dag Johannessen,
the regional representative for NMS
Thailand, hopes that this fast development
will assist the Christian community
do their work in the parish.
“The move there was a mission
of expanding our work, becoming
the bow of the ship in order to advance
forward.”
Unexpected
Responsibilities
Although originally meant for kindergarten
to grade five, the Norwegian
School Mukdahan now
welcomes students of all ages. Dag
admits that this can create some difficulties.
“In primary school, our children
play in the schoolyard with Thai children.
They don’t seem to think of
this as anything special. When they
become teenagers though, variations
between the Norwegian and
Thai values are more apparent.”
A Bridge to Norway within
Thailand
Oyvind teaches the Norwegian
curriculum so that the children do
not have to adapt when moving
between Thailand and Norway. To
facilitate this, original textbooks are
brought over from Norway to provide
the proper education.
“When our students go back to
Norway, they know the system there
because our school uses the same
system and the same books. This is
why we are here,” Oyvind says.
To help with integration into
the local society, additional classes
in the Thai language, history and culture
are taught by a Thai assistant
provided by NMS. The Norwegian
students also study with the Thais
in physical education, music and arts
classes, and spend time together at
morning assembly and during special
events such as Father’s Day and
sports day.
“The Best of Two Cultures”
As the sole teacher at NMS’ Norwegian
school, Oyvind certainly has
his hands full. Although he only has
five students, they range in age from
grade two to grade seven, meaning
that he has to properly educate
each at the appropriate level.
Oyvind tries very hard to find
the “best of two cultures”. His stu-
22 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

dents learn about both Thailand and
Norway, and participate in Christian
and Buddhist celebrations throughout
the year. This combination is
very important, he feels.
“We try to stick to our Norwegian
culture, but we also try to connect
with the Thai system because it’s
important to learn. Even though we
are Christians, if my children return
to Norway and have learnt nothing
about Buddhism, something’s wrong.”
NMS: A Diverse Society
Apart from the school, NMS has
several other projects around the
region. In addition to six Lutheran
churches in Ubon Ratchathani and
one in Mukdahan, there are also
numerous preaching places spread
around the area, as well as a ministry
at Mukdahan Prison.
The society also runs a Thai language
school where missionaries have
to complete a 15 month conversation
course to bring them up to a sixth
grade level. This provides them with
the necessary linguistic skills that they
need to deal with the local Thais.
In October, NMS also hosts the
annual IMPULS Thailand youth gathering
where Thai Christians can get
together and bond in the one location.
A team of Norwegian volunteers
and musicians is also on hand
to help with the event.
NMS missionaries also teach
Thais at local theological faculties,
promoting independence and empowerment
for the smaller preaching
centres. The hope is that this
will build a network of functional
churches which can then be used
for further regional development.
The society also undertakes
social work projects around the region,
covering areas such as AIDS
treatment, family development and
scholarship programs.
The Search for Support
The path forward is not clearly
marked though. In 2006, there were
five Norwegian families in Mukdahan,
whereas now there are only two.
NMS is currently seeking individuals
to fill this void, although it is proving
difficult. Thailand is not a major
location on the missionary map, especially
when compared to more
traditional regions such as Africa.
Consideration for their children
is also a main deterrent for people
to move to Thailand, especially due
to the differences in the education
system. Here though, the Norwegian
School Mukdahan aims at filling
this need, and teachers such as Oyvind
provide good quality education
that is the same as that found back
in Norway.
NMS is searching for more people
to work for them in Northeast
Thailand from pastors who can help
with layman training to those who are
skilled in organisational development.
Dag says that all applicants should be
willing to pass on the right values.
“One part which is very important,
because we are a mission organisation,
is the Calling. This is an
inner belief that we actually have
something that we are obligated to
pass on.”
Even though we are Christians,
if my children return to Norway
and have learnt nothing about
Buddhism, something’s wrong.
July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 23

Ruins Turned into
Expensive Homes
Buy an old house, renovate it, sell it and buy
the next. That’s the concept.
By Rose Jensen
Nobody renovates old Thai
properties into European
style homes like we do.
Kasper and Sonja, a Danish
Thai couple, have
found a lucrative niche.
They buy mismanaged
property in Thailand,
renovate it from A to Z and sell it
with a nice profit.
The couple began their Thai
renovation business with a property
in the provincial town of Lampang,
South of Chiang Mai. Their keen eye
guided them to a rundown property
that they felt had massive potential.
Three months later and the house
had been totally renovated. The
house’s potential had been fulfilled
and they had proved to themselves
that their renovation dreams and
skills could cross continents. The
700 square meter property that
they had bought for 2.5 million baht
had just been sold for 8 million baht!
Not wanting to rest on their
laurels they quickly moved onto
their next project. They had spotted
a row of three townhouses that
were in poor condition but they felt
were in a very promising location.
This European philosophy on property
has really paid dividends for
them here in Asia, where newer is
often seen as better.
“Make the impossible,” the couple
said.
“We are from Europe, we can
see that things can be fixed. What
we care about when buying homes
is the location. We would rather
buy a ruin located in the right address
than buy a nice apartment
located in the wrong area, because
ruins becomes much more valuable
when they are finished compared to
a new one in good condition when
it’s in the wrong place.”
Started in Denmark
This successful couple met each other
at a young age during a Songkran
Festival in Denmark. Sonja, who was
aged 20, had an apprenticeship as
an office assistant and Kasper, also
20, had an apprenticeship as a machine
technician when they decided
to buy their first property.
Things were not always smooth
sailing for the young couple. When
trying to secure a mortgage for their
first property one adviser described
them as being ‘foolish’ if they thought
that anyone in their right mind would
be willing to lend someone as young
as them money to buy a house.. But,
luckily for them, someone was willing
to take the gamble. And within a
year they had sold the property that
they bought for 500.000 Kroner for
800.000 Kroner, making a nice profit
even after the renovation costs had
been deducted.
Since their first successful move
onto the property business ladder,
they have repeated the process a
further ten times back in Denmark.
Friends and family have always
been supportive of the couple, although
house warming gifts are a bit
thinner on the ground these days.
Doing business in Thailand
Three years ago, Sonja and Kasper
moved to Thailand. Sonja was born
in Thailand but raised in Denmark.
Now, back in Thailand her Thai citizenship
became a great asset.
It can be difficult for foreigners
to do business in Thailand, factors
such as not being able to speak the
language, not being familiar with local
laws and regulations and having pale
skin can all work against the “farang”.
Luckily Kasper and Sonja didn’t
incur any of these troubles, they
were able to easily set up a trading
company in Sonja’s name.
“She is the person to explain to
the renovators how to do things.
That makes it a lot easier,” said
Kasper. The couple have also always
done things the “right” way. They
have made sure that they use a
good accountant and lawyer so that
everything is legal and above board.
When asked what makes them
stand out they responded, “we are
not always western driven when it
comes to renovating, we are also
able to turn run down properties
24 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

into beautiful homes aimed for Thai
tastes.”
“It also requires that you have
your heart in the game and see how
it can become. It doesn’t help if you
have the money to buy an old junk
if you cannot see how it can be
turned into – it is not enough just to
paint,” he added.
Impressive project
Kasper and Sonja are currently
working on their most impressive
project to date. The style of this
penthouse apartment is kept in the
classic style with high English paneling
and nice teak flooring. Everything
is kept in bright colors and the couple
has chosen to retain the beautiful
original stucco ceilings. Likewise
with all the bathrooms have been
kept in the roman style.
The penthouse is unique as it
is the largest penthouse in Chiang
Mai of 600 sqm with VIP roof terrace.
The only thing the penthouse
has been done in modern simple
style, is the super modern high gloss
kitchen with all appliances coming
from SMEG.
When asking into their choice
of doing business in Chiang Mai the
couple quickly replied.
“It has always been our target
to live in Chiang Mai. Not only is it
great to do business here. The city
is in development, good restaurants
and a fun nightlife.”
Real estate in Chiang Mai is
tough but the couple feels strong
and competitive. They feel they
stand out. Many others have built
Moo baan residentials where they
just built an entire residential, but
although they have met one who
is doing something similar to what
they are doing, it was not in the
same European style and order.
When their current big pent
house project is sold the couple
is actually considering expanding
their business to Bangkok. They already
know of so many bankruptcies
in Bangkok through their own
network. And of course there’s the
Internet.
The living room of the condo in the condition, they found it...
... and this is how it looks today, after the renovation.
July 2012 • ScandAsia.Thailand 25

Summer Sizzler Packages at
Away Koh Kood
The new Duplex Bungalows at Away Koh Kood open its
doors to welcome guests over summer season this year
with Summer Sizzler Packages.
Completed in January 2012 with additional features, the Duplex
Bungalows sit high on the hillside enjoying a lofty position
overlooking the resort and bay.
To celebrate the completion of all these new features and upgrades,
the resort offers Summer Sizzler Packages for guests who
book and stay anytime from now to the end of October 2012.
Special Introductory Rates are offered. The special rates for
a room night stay with the Away signature island breakfast for 2
persons are listed here:
Duplex Bungalow Baht 3,000
(from normal rate at Baht 6,000)
Deluxe Ocean Facing Bungalow Baht 4,000
(from normal rate at Baht 8,000)
Deluxe Oceanfront Bungalow Baht 5,000
(from normal rate at Baht 10,000)
For more information
and online booking
with instant confirmation,
visit www.AwayResorts.com
or call + 66 2168 7533 ext 301
Stay, Play & Pamper Package at
Hotel De La Paix in Cha Am
For more information,
call +66 32 709 555
or e-mail: book@hoteldelapaixhh.com
26 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012
The luxurious beachside Hotel De La Paix offers a mid-week
getaway package featuring 3 nights stay plus two 18-hole
rounds of golf and two-hour spa Indochine massages.
Located on the secluded beach in Cha Am, The Hotel De
La Paix consists of chic-designed 79 studios and pool villas offeringhigh
technology and fun vibes to every unit withWiFi, 42-inch
flatscreen TV, Apple TV pre-loaded with music and movies, and
an in-built home theatre system that can entertain guests in the
bathroom.
The special package includes3 nights stay plus two 18-hole
rounds of golf and two-hour spa Indochine massages. Choices of
the golf course are Black Mountain Golf Club, Springfield Royal
Country Club, Palm Hills Golf Club, BanyanGolf Club. Guests are
also entitled to the followings:
• Playful Punch tropical fruit welcome booster
• Choose Your Course daily breakfast
• Complimentary daily mini bar refresh
• 20% off additional treatments at Spa Indochine
• Complimentary WiFi throughout the hotel
• Bottled water (daily) and nightly turndown nibbles
• Early check-in/late check-out (subject to availability)
• Package is inclusive of 10% service charge and 7% government VAT
Package Prices are THB 34,700 for a stay at Horizon Suite and
THB 37,000 for a stay at Garden Terrace Suite.

Special Offer for Lovebirds at
Koh Chang Cliff Beach Resort
Here is a chance to impress your lovers. Koh Chang Cliff Resort offers
to create an extra special event for couples on their honeymoon,
special occasions or an intimate romantic dinner.
Set between a lush tropical cliff and intimate beach amidst some of Thailand’s
most magnificent scenery, the location of Koh Chang Cliff Beach Resort
is suitable for a romantic event for lovers.
The resort offers to set up a romantic dinner for two with one dedicated
server at your selected location. A private sunset cruise can be arranged
for lovers to enjoy a beautiful sunset in one of the resort’s comfortable boats
while cruising along the coastal waters of Koh Chang, sightseeing the local
sites and the island’s surroundings.
Ideas on how you’d like to celebrate your special occasions are welcome
to share as the resort is willing to tailor a package to suite needs of
each couple.
For more information,
contact 02 692 0122, 02 692 0314, 02 692 0030
or 039 557034-5.
E-mail: CliffBeach@hotmail.com
Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok
Renovates its Restaurants
For more information, contact 02 2617100
Located in the heart of Bangkok on Sukhumvit Road, Rembrandt Hotel
Bangkok will invest over 30 million THB for the restaurant renovations
on the first floor, encompassing the Mexican Restaurant Señor Pico,
Thai Contemporary Red Pepper and international restaurant the Café. The
completion is scheduled for September this year.
The Rembrandt Hotel will upgrade the restaurants’ design and bring
in new conceptual ideas where a new theatrical culinary experience with
an open kitchen featuring chefs preparing ‘a la minute’ all in full view of the
guests will be provided at the new Red Pepper and the Café. The highlights
are the live cooking station and bespoke authentic Thai and international
dishes. Under new modern décor, Red Pepper and the Café can serve up
to 130 guests. The new branding campaign complete with new names and
logos will be introduced.
For the new Señor Pico, diners will experience a re-introduction to
modern Mexican decor with the use terracotta and stone. Diners will enjoy
an upgraded light and sound system for live entertainment, a larger dance
floor, and an updated menu making Señor Pico the authentic Mexican taqueria
and tequila bar in Bangkok. It will also bring in a Mexican chef from
the US to help implement the menu as well as one of the most sought after
mixologists to formulate the cocktail menu specifically for Señor Pico.
There will also be the introduction of an open air smoking area complete
with rataan furniture and a living wall.
During the renovations, all restaurants will continue operating. Red Pepper
and the Café have been temporarily relocated to the 4th floor. Señor
Pico has been temporarily relocated to the ground floor of the Rembrandt
Towers on SukhumvitSoi 20. Breakfast is still served daily from 6.00a.m. –
11.00a.m. at the Rembrandt III banquet room on the 2 nd floor.
Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok can be accessed from both SukhumvitSoi 18
and SukhumvitSoi 20, and is in a short walking distance from Asoke BTS and
Sukhumvit MRT stations.
28 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012

Medium
Potato
Au Gratin
By Gregers Moller
Evil
Oven baked au gratin is a delicious dish, that my mother used
to prepared in advance and put in the refrigerator. Two hours
before dinner she would pre-heat the oven half an hour and then
place the casserole with the gratin on a middle shelf. After the first hour
she would remove the alu-foli and it was my duty to watch until the top
was light brown and crispy.
Are you done?
When you have completed the above puzzles, please send your
solution by fax to +66 2 943 7169 or scan and email to puzzles@
scandasia.com. We will make a lucky draw among the correct
answers. Five lucky winners will receive a ScandAsia polo shirt.
Name:
___________________________________________________
Age: ________________________ Mobile: ___________________
Address: __________________________________________________
Email:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Deadline for submitting your solution is 15 August 2012
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cabbage head, cleaned,
and shredded - don’t use the core.
• 20 pieces of bacon, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus
more for greasing the gratin dish
• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1/2 bunch fresh chives
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds baking potatoes, unpeeled
and thinly sliced.
• 2 1/2 cups whipping cream
• 2 cups grated Parmesan
DIRECTIONS
Finely shred the cabbage. Cut the bacon into 1/2-inch and fry on mediumlow
heat until crisp. Remove from pan and drain for fat. Set aside.
Melt a tablespoon butter together with the bacon fat on the frying pan.
Add 1/2 the garlic and give it a quick stir with a wooden spoon to soften.
Add the cabbage. Slowly let it wilt. Then add the bacon. Season with salt
and freshly ground black pepper. Remove from heat and add most of the
chives, reserving a little for the garnish. Set it aside.
Take a large bowl, put in the potatoes, 1 1/2 cups of cream, 1 cup of
Parmesan, and the garlic. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit = 200 degrees Celsius
Grease an ovenproof rectangular casserole with butter.
Using your hands, place a layer of potatoes in the casserole dish.
Sprinkle with Parmesan and repeat with 2 more layers. Spoon the cabbage
mixture on top and spread it out evenly over the potatoes. Top it off with
2 more layers of potato and Parmesan. Pour the remaining 1cup cream
over the dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan.
Cover dish with aluminum foil. Bake for 1 hour. Remove foil and bake
for 30 minutes until golden brown. Leave for 10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh chives.
30 ScandAsia.Thailand • July 2012