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Everything you need to know about Thailand and celebrating the 87th birthday anniversary of His Majesty the King of Thailand.TRANSCRIPT
This supplement was brought to you by The Post in association
with the Royal Thai Embassy
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CELEBRATE
THAILANDCommemoration of the 87th Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty the King
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TThai people all across the world celebrate Thai
National Day on the 5th December each year,
the Birthday Anniversary of His Majesty King
Bhumibol Adulyadej. On this day, Thais in the
country and all parts of world express their joy
and reverence for His Majesty, who is turn-
ing 87. His Majesty’s life, reign and work go
hand-in-hand with the history of modern Thai-
land and covers a period of time in which the
country developed more significantly than any
point in its history. During the course of his 68-
year reign, His Majesty has worked tirelessly to
improve the well-being of the Thai people and
has contributed to national advancement in
public health, education, agricultural research,
irrigation and environmental protection, among
others. King Bhumibol has accomplished that
through innovative ideas and several thousand
development projects.
Educated in constitutional law, science and en-
gineering, he holds more than 20 patents for
various inventions. When Mr. Kofi Annan, then
Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN),
presented His Majesty with the United Nations
Development Programme’s first ever Human
Development Lifetime Achievement Award
in 2006, he praised His Majesty as being the
world’s “Development King”.
On this auspicious occasion it is appropriate
to reflect on the close relationship that exists
between Thailand and Denmark which is un-
derscored by the warm friendship between our
Royal Families. Ties between the two coun-
tries have developed significantly since the first
Danish vessels arrived in Thailand almost four
centuries ago. While initial relations were then
built on trade, the ensuing friendship between
our Royal Families following the visits to Den-
mark of King Chulalongkorn in 1897 and 1907
resulted in a more diversified relationship. Ex-
changes of royal visits continue until the pres-
ent day with the state visit to Denmark made
by Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thai-
land in 1960 and that of Her Majesty the Queen
of Denmark and His Royal Highness the Prince
Consort to Thailand in 2001. Strengthened by
the close friendship between the Royal Families
of the two Kingdoms, relations have expanded
beyond trade to other areas including science,
culture and development cooperation.
The people of Thailand and Denmark also en-
joy close and warm relations, evident in the
fact that more than 160 000 Danes visit Thai-
land annually. Meanwhile, Denmark is host
to a sizeable Thai community of over 15 000
who have made this country their home. On
the economic front, the outlook for growth in
trade and investment between Thailand and
Denmark appears bright. Just as Denmark is
a gateway to the Nordic countries, Thailand is
well positioned to serve as Denmark’s gateway
to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’
(ASEAN’s) single market of over 600 million
consumers and beyond when the ASEAN Eco-
nomic Community is launched in 2015.
Thailand may have century-long ties with Den-
mark but our partnership is based on modern
and forward-looking policies and mutual inter-
ests. Whether through bilateral engagements,
regional forums such as ASEAN-EU cooper-
ation and the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM)
or international forums like the UN, Thailand
hopes to form a strong partnership with Den-
mark in addressing regional and global chal-
lenges. Our two countries could also work
closely together to address common concerns
on various global issues. Building on the firm
foundation forged over the centuries, I am cer-
tain that we will continue to intensify our part-
nership in all dimensions.
MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
President and Publisher: Ejvind Sandal ● Editor: David Nothling ● Layout: Lyndsay Jensen ● Commercial Director: Hans Hermansen,
[email protected], Tel: +45 2420 2411 ● Picture credit: Thinkstock & Royal Thai Embassy
H.E. MS. VIMON KIDCHOB, AMBASSADOR OF THAILAND TO THE KINGDOM OF DENMARK
REPLACEMENT OF POPPY CULTIVATION
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
By HSH Prince Bhisatej Rajani, Chairman
of the Royal Project Foundation, Thailand
Before the 1960’s, the highlands of Thailand was a wild, lawless
place. His Majesty the King found out about this when he visited
the hill tribes in the area by helicopter. He discovered that they
destroyed the forest to carry out shifting cultivation of opium pop-
py, which earned them very little money. It was rather the opium
traders that made a lot of money.
His Majesty said that poppy cultivation could not be stopped by
force of law because Thailand did not have prisons big enough
for hundreds of thousands of people. Rather Thailand should find
temperate crops to grow on our highlands, to market in our tropi-
cal areas. The prices would be high, and the hill tribes will be rich.
This is how the Royal Project came into being. Because it is the
King’s effort, many other people have joined in, including profes-
sors from universities.
After 45 years, there were many temperate vegetables, fruits and
flowers that earned high prices. With the help of the Royal Pro-
ject’s crop extension, transportation and marketing, the hill tribes
became rich without touching opium.
For more information about the Royal Project Foundation please
contact: [email protected]
THE ROYAL PROJECT FOUNDATION WAS AWARDED THE RAMON MAGSAYSAY AWARD FOR INTERNATIONAL UNDERSTANDING IN
1988 AND THE COLOMBO PLAN AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN EFFORTS TO COMBAT THE DRUG PROBLEM IN THE
ASIA PACIFIC REGION IN 2003.
Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia, the
Kingdom of Thailand has long been known for
its open society, cultural diversity, warm hospi-
tality and business-friendly market economy.
Its people’s sense of identity is closely linked
to Buddhism and the institution of monarchy
which dates back more than 700 years. While
proud of its independence, rich heritage and
traditions, the country has adapted to and
embraced the rapid change brought about by
globalisation.
Despite periods of political turbulence, Thai-
land’s political history reflects the country’s
unwavering commitment towards becoming
a full-fledged democracy, with accountabili-
ty, transparency, good governance as well as
respect for human rights and the rule of law
being among the main guiding principles. With
the resiliency and fundamental strengths of
the Thai society, the country has been able to
overcome many challenges and continue its
stride along the path of development, guid-
ed by the traditional Thai traits of tolerance,
BUILDING A BETTER THAILAND
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
common sense and preference for peaceful
solutions to problems.
Over the past decades, there has been a re-
markable continuity in policy direction, provid-
ing a predictable framework for investors and
businessmen. Successive Thai governments
have always been committed to certain fun-
damental policy principles: Friendly relations
with all its neighbours and a responsible and
constructive foreign policy, an open-market
economy, hospitality toward foreign investors
and tourists, sound macro-economic policies
with fiscal and monetary prudence and the
improvement of the country’s infrastructure to
increase competitiveness and achieve sustain-
able development. These policies are under-
pinned, among others, by the vibrant private
sector and the strength and continuity of the
civil service of the nation, which oversees the
implementation of policies and execution of
laws throughout the country.
MOVING TOWARDS A STRONGER AND EFFECTIVE DEMOCRACYThe current government which came into of-
fice on 30 August 2014 is now focused on ful-
filling the democratic aspirations of the people
by promoting reconciliation and expediting
reforms whilst ensuring broad based public
participation. The aim is to take the necessary
measures to enable the holding of general
elections in accordance with the democrat-
ic process, in October 2015, whilst laying the
groundwork for long-term reforms that sub-
sequent governments can continue to work
on. Reforms will be focused on establishing a
fair election system, putting in place efficient
mechanisms for prevention and suppression of
corruption, eliminating economic and social in-
equality, improving the provision of public ser-
vices and strengthening law enforcement.
During this transitory period, a 250-member
National Reform Council, comprising of a rep-
resentative from each of Thailand’s 77 provinc-
es as nominated by provincial selection com-
mittees, has been formed to work on reforms
in the area of politics, national administration,
laws and the justice system, local administra-
tion, education, the economy, energy, public
health and the environment, mass media and
social affairs, among others. To ensure that
the voice of the people are heard, public fo-
rums will be held in various provinces to gath-
er the people’s views on reform, and agencies
have been asked to improve the mechanism
by which the people can propose legislation
through the Committee on Legal Reform.
To heal political divisions and pave the way
for smooth elections, concrete efforts to pro-
mote reconciliation have also been made. Rec-
onciliation Centers for Reform have been set
up in all provinces and forums have been or-
ganised to allow those from opposing groups
to exchange views and create understanding.
A poll conducted in early September showed
that 81.3 percent of respondents were either
very satisfied or satisfied with such reconcili-
ation efforts.
Internationally, the return of political stability
in Thailand has been welcomed by our friends
around the world. Several countries have also
expressed support and encouragement for the
government’s measures for reform. During
this important transition towards a stronger
and effective democracy, Thailand will contin-
ue to reach out and pursue active and cordial
relationship in all dimensions with our friends
around the world. We are committed not only
to working with our friends and partners in the
international community to achieve mutual-
ly-rewarding relations but also to address the
global challenges.
COMPETITIVE INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENTForeign investments, especially those that
contribute to the development of skills, tech-
nology and innovation, are actively promoted
by the government. Thailand is consistently
ranked among the most attractive investment
locations in international surveys, and the
World Bank’s 2015 Ease of Doing Business re-
port places Thailand as the 26th easiest coun-
try in the world (and fifth in Asia) in which to
do business.
In terms of competitiveness, Thailand is ranked
31st among 144 economies by the World Eco-
nomic Forum (WEF) in the 2014-2015 edition
of its Global Competitiveness Report. Thai-
land’s strength lies in its macroeconomic en-
vironment (ranked 19th), with considerable im-
provement in many areas, for example, health
and primary education (66th) and technolog-
ical readiness (65th). Moreover, market size
(22nd) and goods market efficiency (30th) en-
able Thailand to stand firm in the global are-
na. In addition, Thailand has recently reduced
its corporate income tax to 20% of net profit
which is among the lowest amongst the Asso-
ciation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Thailand competes for investment by offering
attractive tax and non-tax incentives, and by
providing legal frameworks that facilitate in-
vestment and afford high levels of protection
for investors. To strengthen the incentive pro-
gramme, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI)
also provides maximum incentives to priority
activities that are considered important for the
country’s development. This includes the Skill,
Technology and Innovation (STI) programme,
introduced in 2004 to encourage R&D or de-
sign activities as well as advanced training of
workers.
ONE STOP CENTRESTo cut red tape and facilitate businesses, the
BOI established the One Stop Centre for Vi-
sas and Work Permits so that those docu-
ments can be issued quickly within three hours
or less. In 2009, staff from several different
agencies were put under one roof of the One
Start One Stop (OSOS) investment centre to
assist investors on an appointment basis with
a wide range of issues including applications
for corporate name registration, corporate tax
ID numbers, VAT registration, foreign business
licenses and investment promotion incentives,
among others. Walk-in visitors are also wel-
come to get firsthand information.
Thailand’s ability to attract foreign investment has been a key driver of its economic success, contributing to the nation’s move from being an agrarian based economy to one of the world’s 25 biggest economies and 17th largest in terms of manufacturing output.
THINK ASIA, INVEST THAILAND
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENTB
y Thailand B
oard of Investment, Stockholm
Office
For companies seeking to source parts and
components in Thailand, the BOI Unit for In-
dustrial Linkage Development (BUILD) offers
free-of-charge assistance for linking up with
domestic partners. A website for buyers and
suppliers of parts and components is also
available at www.asidnet.org.
The BOI takes this occasion to express its ap-
preciation to the many investors in Thailand
who have helped make it the 9th largest auto
manufacturing country, a top producer of
hard disk drives and other electronics, a glob-
al source of processed foods and agricultural
products, a leading tourist destination and a
terrific overall business environment.
With warm hospitality and the easy-going
nature of the Thai people, Thailand also of-
fers a very welcoming environment for for-
eign expats. According to the 2013 HSBC
Expat Explorer Survey, Thailand is ranked 1st
on Economic and Experience dimensions. Ex-
pats have found Thailand to offer attractive
income, spacious-sized properties and world-
class healthcare, all at affordable prices. In
addition, the ease of adjusting to the relaxed
lifestyle of Thailand makes expats feel at
home.
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During the past four years the Thai economy
has proven very resilient; enjoying robust eco-
nomic growth despite natural disasters, po-
litical turbulence and global economic crises,
maintaining an average growth of 4.3 per cent
as a result of strong domestic demand and
timely government stimulus policies during
emergencies. The Thai economy remains pro-
tected from volatilities in the global economy
thanks to its robust economic fundamentals
with strong purchasing power due to low and
stable inflation of 1.8 per cent and low unem-
ployment rate of 0.9 per cent, while foreign
reserves remains high at USD 168.2bn, approx-
imately 2.7 times short-term external debts.
The government is also committed to main-
taining fiscal discipline under the Fiscal Sus-
tainability Framework. Public debt to GDP is
currently at 46.9 per cent of GDP, well below
the level of 60 per cent of GDP specified in the
Fiscal Sustainability Framework. On monetary
policy, given a softening growth momentum
coupled with subdued inflationary pressure,
the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the
Bank of Thailand has been maintaining an ac-
commodative policy stance, currently at 2.00
per cent per annum.
The Thai financial system remains sound and
the corporate sector is performing well with
low debt to equity ratio. Liquidity in the bank-
ing system remains adequate and non-per-
forming loans stayed subdued at 1.0 per cent
of total outstanding loan. The banking sys-
tem’s capital remains ample at 15.7 per cent
of total risk weighted asset, much higher than
the Bank for International Settlement’s (BIS)
standard of 8.0 per cent.
With a GDP of USD 387.3bn,
Thailand is the second larg-
est economy in Southeast
Asia.
THAILAND: AN ASEAN ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENTB
y the Thai O
ffice of E
cono
mic and F
inancial A
ffairs, Londo
n and the Thai O
ffice of C
om
mercial
Affairs, C
openhagen
Going forward, as growth in the Asia-Pacif-
ic region continues to outpace the rest of the
world and the ASEAN Economic Community
(AEC) is geared up to launch in 2015, there will
be more economic opportunities for boosting
both trade and investment. While the Ministry
of Finance (MOF) projected Thailand’s eco-
nomic growth for 2014 at 1.5 - 2.5 per cent due
to the recent slowdown of the export sector
and tourism industry, MOF expects growth for
2015 to be in the range of 3.6 - 4.6 per cent
due to domestic economy stimulus measures
implemented in the 3rd quarter of 2014 as well
as logistic infrastructure investment planned
for 2015 - 2022. This investment will also help
to transform Thailand into a key logistics hub
within the region which will enhance the coun-
try’s competitiveness in the long-run.
TRADE OVERVIEWThailand has a very open economy. In 2013,
exports levelled out compared with the preced-
ing year at around USD 228bn. Major export
sectors are agricultural produce, mainly rice
and rubber (8%), manufacturing (86%) – with
electronics (14%), vehicles (13%), machinery
and equipment (7.5%) and foodstuffs (7.5%)
being the most important. Major markets in-
clude ASEAN (25.96%), China (11.92%), Japan
(9.73%), the US (10.04%) and the EU (9.8%).
To maintain its prominence and competitive-
ness in these markets, the country is making
determined efforts to raise the quality of its
products and services, initiating certification
that takes into account both quality and the
production process.
THAILAND – DENMARK TRADE STATISTICSDuring the period of January – September
2014, Thailand’s trade with Denmark totalled
USD 640.81 million, representing a healthy
growth of 23.90 per cent over the same period
last year.
Key Facts■ National population: 67.0 million
■ Top five cities by GPP: Rayong (East),
Chacherngsao (East), Bangkok
(Central), Chonburi (East), Pranakorn
Sri Ayudhaya (Central)
■ Area: 513,120 sq km
■ Currency: Baht (USD 1 = 32.5 Thai Baht)
■ Religion: Buddhism, Islam, Christianity
■ Language: Thai (English is also widely
spoken and understood)
■ GDP: USD 387.3bn (2013)
■ Real GDP growth: 7.8pc (2010), 0.1 pc
(2011), 6.5pc (2012), 2.9pc (2013)
■ GDP per capita (PPP): USD 9,900
■ GDP share of world total: 0.5pc
■ GDP sector breakdown:
Agricultural (12.1pc), industry (43.6pc),
services (44.2pc)
TOP 10 THAI EXPORTS TO DENMARK(JANUARY – SEPTEMBER 2014)
PRODUCT VALUE (million USD)
1. Footwear 53.2
2. Electric control boards, panels 31.2
3. Precious stones and jewellery 29.9
4. Motor cars, parts and accessories 20.9
5. Household table kitchenware 13.7
6. Transmission apparatus 13.2
7. Iron and steel and products thereof 10.7
8. Other electrical equipment and parts 8.1
9. Wheat products and other food preparations 8.0
10. Apparel and clothing accessories 7.8
TOP 10 DANISH EXPORTS TO THAILAND(JANUARY – SEPTEMBER 2014)
PRODUCT VALUE (million USD)
1. Finished oils 101.5
2. Ships, boats and floating structures 44.2
3. Medicinal and pharmaceutical products 29.5
4. Machinery and parts 22
5. Chemicals 20.2
6. Electrical machinery and parts 14.4
7. Vegetable and vegetable products 8.5
8. Scientific, medical, testing appliances 7.6 and instruments
9. Parts and accessories of vehicles 7.3
10. Metal manufactures 5.0
As Thailand surges up the ladder of economic
development, the country naturally has moved
away from an over-reliance upon labour-in-
tensive industries to a more tech-savvy, knowl-
edge-based economy. To further support this
move towards a high value-added economy,
the government has prioritised the develop-
ment and promotion of science, research and
development, technology and innovation. The
Ministry of Science and Technology is now
looking to increase the budget on research and
development to one per cent of GDP, enhance
SME’s access to technology and improve the
education system, incentive system, regula-
tions and laws. Furthermore, large funding ini-
tiatives to help Thailand develop its own tech-
nologies will be promoted in certain sectors
such as clean energy, railways, automotive,
electricity, water and waste management.
Thailand’s National Innovation Agency (NIA)
supports the nation’s innovation development
with a focus on three strategic areas, name-
ly, Bio-Business, Eco-Industry and Design &
Solutions. There are also programmes to up-
grade innovation capacity in the Bioplastics
Industry and the Organic Agriculture Business.
The National Innovation Awards is one of the
NIA’s mission to promote an innovative culture
in Thailand. To celebrate the 10th anniversary
of the National Innovation Awards, 25 top in-
novative projects in the area of economic and
social contribution awarded in the last dec-
ade were published in the BrandAge Essential
Magazine. You can learn more about some of
these projects below.
DINSOW MINI – ROBOT FOR THE ELDERLY Dinsow Mini was developed by CT Robotics. It
is the first robot in the world that cares for the
elderly people and was awarded “Honorable
Mention Consolation Prize” for Social Contri-
bution from the NIA in 2014. Other uses for
the robot have also been found such as being
waiters in a restaurant in Sweden.
The impetus for developing the Dinsow Mini
stems from the increased proportion of the el-
derly population who may sometimes have to
care for themselves at home. In order to meet
the actual needs of the elderly, the developers
of the robot did extensive field work to collect
data directly from the elderly, caretakers and
family members.
While the first few versions of the Dinsow Mini
were focused on entertainment and basic con-
versations, the current version has become
more sophisticated and is the result of various
technologies working together, such as image
processing, voice recognition and telemedicine.
It is particularly suitable for elderly people with
limited mobility or those who are bed-ridden
usually from the age of 80 years onward.
The Dinsow Mini can prevent the elderly from
falling, by detecting them through its monitor,
and also act as an alarm by reminding them to
eat and exercise at the right time. In addition,
it can also collect health data such as blood
pressure and if anything is abnormal, it will
send a signal to a smartphone to seek medical
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attention from doctors. Family members who
live far away can upload various contents onto
the robot to entertain their elderly relatives
such as movies, music or photos.
The robot can also help the elderly maintain
good mental health. Even though it cannot
completely replace a human, it can still help
the patient relax and act as a companion. Doc-
tors and family members can download the
free Dinsow Application onto their smartphone
to start a video call with the patient. Family
members using the smartphone application
can turn the robot’s head and see what the ro-
bot sees in real time. This allows doctors and
family members to react immediately if there
is an emergency.
The developers decided to give the robot a
characteristic of a 10 year old boy because this
is the age when children are cute, curious and
carefree. Dinsow Mini comes in two sizes, one
weighs less than 20kg and the other less than
10kg. The smaller version is aimed at countries
such as Japan where residence space is more
limited.
The fourth version of the Dinsow Mini with
moving ability is under development and ex-
pected to be completed in the second half of
2015. The fifth and sixth versions which will be
designed to care for the elderly with specific
illnesses are in the pipeline.
BLURIBBON – DRESSING FOR HARD TO HEAL WOUNDS “BluRibbon” is a world-class innovative, ad-
vanced wound dressing product developed by
Novatec Healthacare, a Thai medical device
company awarded winner of National Innova-
tion Awards 2012 for Social Contribution and
Gold Medal Award from the Grand Prix of the
40th International Exhibition of Inventions in
Geneva 2012.
BluRibbon was developed from the combi-
nation of two technology platforms, namely,
nano-biocellulose technology and engineered
Blue Silver Nanotechnology. BluRibbon can
speed up the wound healing process due to
maintaining a moist wound environment and
helping to clean the wound with its autolytic
debridement and anti-microbial action. Pre-
clinical and clinical tests have shown that
BluRibbon has a better and faster wound heal-
ing effect especially for hard to heal wounds
such as diabetic foot ulcer, pressure sore and
cavity wounds. The company is aiming to list
BluRibbon as a standard treatment for diabetic
foot ulcer with the World Health Organization.
BluRibbon also allows easy and painless re-
moval with no wound residue left. Unlike nor-
mal wound dressings which must be changed
daily, BluRibbon can be changed two to three
times a week to be effective for moist wounds.
The colour of the dressing changes after the
release of Silver ions which indicates the prop-
er time to change the dressing.
BIOMASS GASIFICATION PLANTS: RECYCLING MATERIALS FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY With rising energy needs and prices, it has be-
come important for Thailand to produce en-
vironmentally-friendly, alternative energy at a
low cost. One of the options available that has
an important role for energy sustainability in
Thailand is biomass due to the abundance of
waste from the local agriculture industry.
A Thai company, Alternative Energy Systems,
has developed small biomass power plants
using gasification process, a simple and en-
vironmentally-friendly technology that also
promotes local labour and can produce energy
without water. Small power plants are particu-
larly suitable for small communities in rural ar-
eas due to its low investment. The innovation
received “Silver Prize” in the economic catego-
ry of the National Innovation Awards in 2014.
The first plant was built in Chiang Rai province
with a production capacity of 160 kilowatts
per hour in 2007. At least 40 000 tons of corn
cropped in the area which is usually burnt as
waste each year is now being used as fuel for
the plant. In 2010, the company expanded its
business to Roi Et province and built a biomass
power plant with a larger production capaci-
ty of 350 kilowatts per hour using eucalyptus
waste as fuel.
Currently there are three biomass power plants
using gasification technology in Thailand. Al-
ternative Energy Systems is now looking to
develop a prototype plant to produce low-cost
liquid fuel from biomass in Thailand.
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
At first glance, the combination of a tropical
paradise and cycling might seem a bit strange.
But the truth is that this eco-friendly way
of getting around has become very popular
among visitors in Thailand.
Historical landmarks, lush rainforests or se-
cluded beaches, whether you want to join a
group or explore the country on your own,
Thailand offers a great variety of set ups to
choose between. Bicycle rentals and tour op-
erators are found all over the country and they
will guide you through a safe and unforgetta-
ble journey.
DISCOVERING THAILAND ON TWO WHEELS
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
Exploring Thailand by bike gives you a unique perspective of the
country. It’s an opportunity to get close to everyday life of the
Thai people and to discover a country filled with happiness and
warmth. Thanks to diverse terrain, excellent roads and countless
places to visit, Thailand is a perfect destination for cyclists of all
sorts – from the professional riders to families traveling with kids.
By T
ourism
Autho
rity of T
hailand, Stock-
holm
Office
There are a variety of routes and tours to
choose from, no matter if you are looking for a
long, challenging adventure or a shorter sight-
seeing tour together with your children, you
will find it in Thailand.
The geography of the country makes some
regions extra popular for certain types of bik-
ing excursions. While mountain biking is pop-
ular in the north, the central plain is ideal for
cross-country cycling and if you want to get
to know one of Thailand’s sparkling cities up
close, you should try one of the popular city
tours.
THE NORTHWith its majestic scenery, shifting landscape
and high hills, the northern part of Thailand is
a mecca for the adventurous rider. Starting in
cities like Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai you can
join a guided tour on a mountain bike or head
out on your own. The challenging trails in the
jungle will lead you to places you will never
forget. Make sure to stop and say hello to the
local people - they are often generous with
information and tips on what you should see
and do in the area. Among the guided tours
in northern Thailand you can find everything
from daily excursions to weeklong trips com-
bined with other adventurous activities on the
way.
Insider tips: “Local tribes in northern Thailand with their
own culture, music, food and clothes are defi-
nitely worth a visit. Due to their sometimes
remote location, bikes are a good way to go
there. Many villages offer homestays for those
who want to fall asleep to the sound of the
jungle – a perfect way to get a unique insight
to a completely different world.”
CENTRAL THAILANDIn central Thailand the possibilities are almost
endless when it comes to finding great biking
routes. The roads are relatively flat and easy
which gives you an opportunity to not only
focus on riding the bike but also enjoying the
breathtaking scenery. Biking along the coast in
a lush landscape with the ocean breeze cooling
your body is a feeling everyone should expe-
rience.
Bike for a few hours during one day or try a
challenging tour like the 280-kilometer long
route stretching from Hua Hin to Chumphon.
No matter which option suits you best you will
enjoy a great experience.
Insider tips: “The central plains are the cultural heart of the
country. Kanchanaburi with its famous River
Kwai and historical monuments are one of the
region’s must-sees”.
THE SOUTHSouthern Thailand is probably best known
for its beautiful islands. Besides enjoying lazy
days by the beach, these islands are ideal to
explore on your own. Bicycle rentals are avail-
able across the region and there are many ex-
perienced tour operators if you prefer joining a
group. Even the smaller islands offer surpris-
ingly many types of cycling, everything from
leisure biking along the coast to advanced
downhill cycling.
So pump the tyres and hop on the bike – the
islands in the south are waiting to be explored.
Insider tips: “Just a short boat ride from Phuket, you will
find Koh Yao Noi – a hidden pearl where it
feels like time has stood still. The best way to
explore this authentic island is taking it slowly
on the bike – just like the locals do.”
THE CITIESThai cities are known and appreciated for its
exotic flavors, happy people and lively streets.
Next time you visit your favorite city, make
sure to join a cycling tour for half a day or a
day. Experienced guides will show you parts
of the city unknown to most, including cul-
tural sights, beautiful parks and places where
the locals hang out. Bangkok, Chiang Mai and
Phuket offers a huge variety of tours, but also
less known cities in Thailand like Kanchanaburi,
Ayutthaya and Sukhothai are perfect to dis-
cover from a bike saddle. Most of the organ-
ized city tours suit the inexperienced as well as
the experienced cyclists.
Insider tips:“The historical city of Ayutthaya is featured on
the UNESCO list of World Heritage sites. This
historical city is easily reached by boat or road
from Bangkok. Best way to get around while
you´re there: cycle.”
FIVE TIPS – CYCLING IN THAILAND:1. It’s hot, so don’t forget to drink a lot of
water on your journey
2. Remember that you are on vacation –
don’t be in a hurry
3. Bring necessary equipment if you get
a flat tyre
4. Ask people you meet on the way
about insider tips
5. If you go by your own, make sure you
have an idea of where to spend the
night
FIVE TIPS – TOUR OPERATORS IN THAILAND:✓ Spice roads: http://www.spiceroads.com/
✓ Mountain Biking Chiang Mai: http://www.mountainbikingchiangmai.com/
✓ Grasshoppers Adventures: http://grasshopperadventures.com/
✓ Bangkok by Bike: http://bangkokbybike.com/
✓ Ayutthaya Boat & Travel: http://www.ayutthaya-boat.com/
Thailand is well positioned to be the medical
hub of Asia. The country offers state-of-the-
art facilities and technologies, internationally
certified medical services, excellent medical
expertise, highly qualified medical profession-
als, and a wide range of high-standard hos-
pitals. Thailand also has a significant number
of internationally accredited medical facilities.
Thailand is one of the world’s largest medical
tourism markets, with the number of interna-
tional patients continuing to rise. According to
Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health and the
Kasikorn Research Center, Thailand welcomed
more than 2.5 million international patients in
2012, a 13% increase from 2011. Thailand’s 2012
revenue from medical tourism was between
USD 4.0 billion and USD 4.7 billion, up from
USD 3.2 billion in 2011.
The initiatives that Thailand has undertaken to
strengthen its position as the medical hub of
Asia have created opportunities for continued
growth in related fields, including the medical
services, medical device, and pharmaceutical
sectors. As a result, Thailand has become an
excellent location for investment.
FIRST-CLASS QUALITY AT AFFORDABLE PRICESThailand offers world-class medical facilities.
International patients visit Thailand for a va-
riety of treatments including general check-
ups, dentistry, cancer treatments, hip replace-
ments, kidney transplants, cardiology testing,
heart surgeries, laser eye surgeries, cosmet-
ic surgeries, weight loss surgeries, and sex
change operations.
Over 1000 public and 400 private hospitals
across the country operate in compliance with
international standards and employ interna-
tionally trained physicians. Thailand has the
largest number of hospitals in Asia accredited
by the Joint Commission International (JCI).
Thailand also provides excellent healthcare
services at highly competitive prices. With
warm hospitality, patients feel right at home.
Many hospitals have specialised English
speaking staff and several provide translators
in a wide variety of foreign languages, includ-
ing Arabic, Japanese and Chinese.
MEDICAL DEVICESIncreased demand in the healthcare market is
a key driver of the Thai medical device indus-
try. As Thailand’s universal healthcare system
continues to develop, demand for medical de-
vices and services is likely to increase as well.
As illustrated in the chart above, the market
for medical devices has grown impressively. In
2012, the market for medical devices in Thai-
land was USD 2 billion, a 24% increase from
the previous year. The market is predicted to
reach USD 2.5 billion and USD 3 billion in 2013
and 2014, respectively.
Major international medical device manufac-
turers and distributors in Thailand include: Es-
silor, 3M, Bausch & Lomb, Baxter Healthcare,
Boston Scientific, Carl Zeiss, Diethelm, GE
Medical Systems, Guidant, Johnson & John-
son, Medtronic, Philips Electronics (Medical
Systems), Roche Diagnostics, Siemens (Med-
ical Solutions) Surgical Instruments and Tyco
Healthcare.
PHARMACEUTICALSAs Thailand has developed into the medical
hub of Asia, its pharmaceutical market has
also experienced significant growth. According
to Pacific Bridge Medical, the Thai pharma-
ceutical market is valued at USD 4 billion in
2012, making it the largest in Southeast Asia.
By 2020, this value is expected to increase to
USD 9 billion. The Thai pharmaceutical market
is dominated by foreign manufacturers and
distributors. Leading multinational companies
in Thailand include: Meji, Baxter, Mega Lifes-
ciences, Linaria, Otsuka, Sanofi, Pfizer, Merck,
Novartis and GlaxoSmithKline.
Thailand currently produces 25 active phar-
maceutical ingredients, including sodium
chloride, camphor, and menthol. Most active
ingredients are imported from manufacturers
overseas, leaving sizable room for new phar-
maceutical investors. To ensure that pharma-
ceutical products in the country meet world-
class standards, the government requires that
all manufacturing companies develop stand-
ards and quality-control systems that meet
Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) stand-
ards based on the International Pharmaceu-
tical Inspection Cooperation Scheme (PIC/S).
EXCELLENT INFRASTRUCTUREThailand is home to many institutions and re-
search centers that support the development
-
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THAILAND:THE MEDICAL HUB OF ASIA
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of medical technological breakthroughs, in-
cluding;
✓ Thailand’s Science Park, established as a
one-stop service center to assist companies
engaged in scientific and technological
research
✓ The National Center for Genetic Engineering
and Biotechnology (BIOTEC)
✓ National Science and Technology
Development Agency (NSTDA)
✓ Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
✓ Ministry of Public Health (MOPH)
✓ Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST)
✓ National Innovation Agency (NIA)
✓ Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI)
✓ Thailand Center of Excellence for
Life Sciences (TCELS)
WONDERFUL INVESTMENT OP-PORTUNITY AND ENVIRONMENTThailand offers a number of investment ad-
vantages for foreign investors. The country’s
experienced and qualified physicians support a
high-quality medical services sector. Thailand
also provides world-class infrastructure, skilled
and affordable labour, high quality-control
standards, advanced production technology
and advanced technological equipment. These factors contribute to the steady growth of Thailand’s healthcare services, medical device, and pharmaceutical markets. Furthermore, Thailand’s seven laws pertaining to intellectual property all meet international standards.
BOI INVESTMENT INCENTIVESThailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) offers attractive investment incentives to a wide range of activities related to the medical sec-tor. Major incentives include corporate income tax exemption, and duty concessions on ma-chinery and raw materials. In addition, a num-ber of non-tax incentives are available such as right to own land and facilitation as regards visas and work permits for expatriates.
The BOI also promotes retirement homes and care centers as well as certain types of dedi-cated health centers, which are facilities that provide medical or psychotherapeutic treat-ment through the use of advanced technologi-cal devices and facilities. These type of invest-ments are eligible for exemption or reduction of import duty on machinery, based on project location, provided they achieve standards set by relevant government agencies.
Apart from BOI incentives, several types of support are provided by other government agencies and organizations including the Rev-enue Department, National Science and Tech-nology Development Agency (NSTDA) and the National Innovation Agency.
For further information:The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI): http://www.boi.go.thThe Food and Drug Administration: http://www.fda.moph.go.th/eng/index.stmThai Medical Device Technology Industry As-sociation (THAIMED) http://www.thaimed.co.th/index.php?page=about&lang=en
A S I A H O U S E
Asia House - Indiakaj 16 • 2100 Copenhagen Ø • Phone: +45 35 26 56 11 • website: www.asia-house.dk • e-mail: [email protected]
Asia House provides a venue for activities that strengthen the ties between Denmark and the Asian countries.
H O M E O F B U S I N E S S – C U L T U R E – P E O P L E
For more information about Asia House please contact:Head of Secretariate Erik Ljunggren ([email protected])
Administrator Charlotte Bjørner ([email protected])
Simplicity may be a hallmark of the Thai way of life, but the country’s exotic cuisine is full of fresh
and fragrant flavours that will leave you wanting more.
TANTALISE YOUR TASTE BUDS
EMBASSY SUPPLEMENT
The combination of sweet, sour, hot and salty
flavours is what makes Thai cuisine so distinct.
From the country’s famous tom yum soup,
and the Thai green curry to the every-day
noodle dishes, these flavours are present in
every meal you encounter, whether on a street
corner or fine-dining restaurant.
Whether spicy or comparatively bland, harmo-
ny is the guiding principle behind Thai cuisine.
Eating the correct combination of Thai dishes
and balancing out each meal so that there is a
harmony of flavours and textures is important.
As a result, it takes hours to prepare a proper
Thai meal in the traditional way, as it involves
so much peeling, chopping and pounding of
various ingredients.
Since rice is the staple food in Thailand, it is
usually eaten at every meal, whether with
soups, curries or fried vegetables. Some basic
ingredients for Thai dishes include garlic, chil-
lies, lime juice, lemongrass and fresh corian-
der leaf, and fermented fish sauce (nam pla)
or shrimp paste (kapi) to make it salty. At
the same time, Thai desserts are often made
from sticky rice or coconut milk, flour, egg and
coconut/palm sugar while a variety of fruit is
available all the year round.
Thai food varies from region to region, and
there is a distinct separation of style between
four areas: North, Northeast, Central and
South. For example, glutinous or sticky rice is
more popular in the North and Northeast than
is steamed rice, whilst the South is renowned
for being very spicy. Moreover, in some ru-
ral areas, certain insects are also eaten (such
as crickets, silk worm larvae, red ant larvae).
Though the major portion of Thai food is de-
scribed as being spiced and chilli hot, it cur-
rently enjoys worldwide popularity.
OUR TOP THREE THAI INDULGENCESOn your travels to Thailand, or should you
wish to try your hand at Thai cooking, be sure
to give one of these popular dishes a taste:
Phat kraphaoThis street food staple combines meat flash-
fried with holy basil (the eponymous kraphao)
and a generous helping of fresh chilli and gar-
lic. Served over rice and often crowned with a
fried egg, it’s the epitome of the Thai-style one
dish meal.
Sources: w
ww
.phuket.com
; http://ww
w.thailandlife.co
m/; http://w
ww
.bbcgoo
dfoo
d.com
/;
Tom Yam GoongSome regard this as the national aroma of Thailand, thanks to the
generous use of fragrant herbs. Lemongrass, lime leaves, galangal,
and shallots provide the memorable smells, with chillies and fish sauce
providing the kick. Substance comes in the form of jumbo shrimps and
mushrooms. The flavour is a unique combination of spicy hot and sour
and makes for an ideal start to a meal, or - when paired with rice (as
you do with most Thai dishes) - a worthy main dish.
Green curryFor Thai food novices, there’s probably no better starting point than this
combination of spicy green curry paste and rich coconut milk. Of all the
curries, and there’s plenty of them from street-side markets to takea-
way joints, the one that’s bright green in colour is among the spiciest –
and most popular! It’s also one of the least like Indian curry. Remember
to do as the Thais and couple the curry with a plate of jasmine rice – it’s
not meant to be eaten on its own as a soup.
Kunde THAI LANNA
Emne ANNONCE
Status 212 x 144 MM
Side -
Dato 03.12.14
LONG LIVE
THE KING
OF THAILAND
»probably the best thai food in town«
www.thailanna.dk
Thai LannaStrandvejen 130D2900 Hellerup
t 39 400 400e [email protected] www.thailanna.dk
THAI FOOD TAKE-AWAY & CATERING
Have a spicy X-mas & new year!
ORDER ONLINE: WWW.THAILANNA.DK
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The house provides the setting for a
number of activities promoting the
knowledge of, and interest in busi-
ness, scientific, artistic and cultural
relations between Denmark and Asia. Social
as well as professional events, exhibitions,
meetings, conferences, lectures, and many
more activities, are held at the house.
SPENDING TIME TO SAVE ON ENERGYThe historically interesting and newly restored
rooms of Asia House may be booked by or-
ganisers of events strengthening the ties be-
tween and Asia. The following facilities are
available depending on the nature of your
event:
❧ The Asia House Hall located on the ground
floor accommodates between 20 and 60
people for meetings/lectures and up to 150
people for a stand-up reception and up to
60 people for a sit-down dinner.
❧ The Bangkok Room located on the ground
floor is ideal for small meetings or lunch
eons for between two and 10 people. The
Jutlandia Room is also perfect for small
meetings of two to eight people.
❧ The Lecture Room on the first floor is avail
able for lectures/conferences for up to 60
people and seated dinners for up to 30
people.
❧ The lower floor holds the kitchen and din
ing hall accommodating about 30 people.
The dining hall opens out on a courtyard
garden with outdoor furniture.
Both the Asia House Hall and the lecture room
on the first floor have a screen, projector, flip-
chart, audio system and wireless microphones.
Through their different activities, a number of
regular users contribute to the dynamic and
inspiring atmosphere in Asia House. Among
these users is Asia Business Forum, a unique
forum for Danish business executives with
interests in Asia. Asia House organises net-
working events and seminars and constitutes
a venue for knowledge sharing between inter-
national business executives and academic ex-
perts actively engaged in Asia. The house also
serves the EAC club, an association for current
and former employees of EAC. The Thailand
Consul General has his office here, and several
Asian embassies and Danish-Asian friendship
associations make use of the facilities that the
house has to offer.
BOOK YOUR FUNCTION TODAY!Booking enquiries can be made via e-mail
([email protected]) or by telephone (+45 35
26 56 11). Please state the date, time, expected
number of participants and catering selections.
Asia House Partners are entitled to free use of
the facilities of Asia House, whilst the House
may also be rented for one-time events held
to promote knowledge of Asia. Early booking
is advisable.
STRENGTHENING RELATIONS BETWEEN DENMARK AND ASIAAsia House, situated at Indiakaj in Copenhagen, is a venue for activities that promote the strengthening of relations
between Denmark and Asian countries. Built in 1898, Asia House maintains its original exterior, constructed in rustic red bricks
on a sturdy base to match the style of the then newly built Indiakaj in the Southern Freeport of Copenhagen. The house was
originally built as the headquarters of the East Asiatic Company Ltd. (EAC), which had been founded the previous year. In 1997,
the building was refurbished and brought back to its original state, and in 2007, the interior was renovated and it now offers
a modern environment suitable for meetings, lectures, conferences and exhibitions.
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7728_Annonce_Cph post_212x288.indd 1 27/11/14 15.11