Medical devices constitute a thriving industry in Thailand, with the country acclaimed as a major health care hub in Asia. The Thai medical devices market in 2010 is valued at US$795 million. Thailand Business News

Read the rest here:
Medical devices industry Overview in Thailand

The output of other sectors was also affected during the recent crisis, although less markedly because they had been growing slower than the sectors linked to external demand.
However, the upside is limited due to political and regulatory uncertainty, including from possible political violence and the Map Ta Phut court case. The government investment plan is proceeding at a slow pace, but public investment should contribute to growth.

In Vietnam, households use to held their savings in cash or real estate. With the opening of the stock market, you have seen a tremendous shift of funds into the capital market.
But for the smaller companies, you see much greater volatility in returns,’’ he said, adding that smaller firms on the SET with market cap below $200 million offer 40% to 60% lower long-term TSRs compared with their larger brethren.

Thailand became a signatory to the pact in 2003. Thailand must show its sincerity in fighting graft by rushing ratification of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, both private and public sectors urged over the weekend. All UNCAC signatories – 135 countries at present – are obliged to coordinate with each another on mutual legal assistance and asset recovery for crimes, even to the extent of extradition. Thailand Business News

More here:
Thailand urged to ratify UN Convention Against Corruption,

For 2009 as a whole, nonetheless, real GDP fell 2.3 percent despite a pick-up in consumption in the fourth quarter, external demand will be the main contributor to growth in the near term.
Government consumption will likely contract due to the phase-out of consumption measures of the first fiscal stimulus package. Investment is expected to recover, as capacity utilization rises and deferred maintenance, machine replacements and limited expansion of existing plants take place. In addition, there are indications that construction investment, long subdued, may be picking up.

The relative strength and power of sovereign wealth funds is massively increasing, and the money has to go somewhere.
But for the smaller companies, you see much greater volatility in returns,’’ he said, adding that smaller firms on the SET with market cap below $200 million offer 40% to 60% lower long-term TSRs compared with their larger brethren.

The strength and resilience of Thailand’s economy continues to be reflected in the data, beginning with its 12% growth in gross domestic product during the first quarter of 2010. That was the best rate of growth in about 15 years, nearly three times better than Q1 2009, and about double the preceding quarter. It is estimated that GDP growth for the first half of 2010 will be approximately 10%. Thailand Business News

Link:
Thailand’s First half 2010 GDP Growth reaches 10%

Domestic demand has also shown signs of life, but the severe weather, the withdrawal of consumption-based fiscal stimulus and political uncertainty should be a drag on growth. With a large fraction of the population still occupied in agriculture or working in rural areas, agriculture is a critical variable for the performance of household consumption.
All in all, a more favorable external environment should help boost real GDP growth to 6.2 percent in 2010. After this year, slower growth in developed countries, emerging capacity constraints as capacity idled during the crisis is quickly put to use, and the weight of the ongoing political turmoil on new investment, should likely keep growth below Thailand’s historical average of 5.1 percent. On the whole, Thailand’s fiscal and financial picture remains solid

In any case, Thailand’s strong rally in 2009 should still be considered in context.
So small free floats and poor disclosure tend to create a vicious cycle,’’ Mr Wood said.

PTT Plc, the country’s largest oil conglomerate, is looking into the possibility of buying out Carrefour (Thailand) to further expand its retail operations, reports said, citing an informed source at the PTT. Thailand Business News

Continue reading here:
PTT, Thailand’s largest oil conglomerate, looks to buy Carrefour

Thailand’s 2010 GDP growth is projected at 3.5%, driven by domestic demand. In the context of weaker global demand in 2010, exports will grow modestly, but the restocking cycle and slow rebound in investment also imply a pick-up in imports, which results in muted net external demand. Public and private investment add 0.8% point to the growth rate, while normal stocking patterns provide a boost to growth of 1.5 % points . Thailand’s Household consumption picks up modestly, adding 0.8 percentage point to the growth rate, whereas public consumption decelerates from 2009 levels but still adds 0.4 percentage point.

FDI policies

The country’s well-defined investment policies focus on liberalization and encourage free trade. Foreign investments, especially those that contribute to the development of skills, technology and innovation are actively promoted by the government. Thailand consistently ranks among the most attractive investment locations in international surveys, and the World Bank’s 2010 Ease of Doing Business report places Thailand as the 12th easiest country in the world in which to do business.

Government support and incentives are provided for foreign investors in Thailand

Numerous government agencies support investors. Through the Board of Investment, the government offers a range of tax incentives, support services and import duty exemptions or reductions to an extensive list of promoted activities.
Companies receiving investment promotion privileges from the Board of Investment are not subject to foreign equity restrictions in the manufacturing sector, and there are no local content requirements nor export requirements, as Thailand’s investment regime is in total compliance with WTO regulations.
The Board of Investment also coordinates the activity of the One-Stop Service Center for Visas and Work Permits, which enables foreign staff of BOI-promoted companies to obtain work permits and long-term visas within three hours or less.
The BOI also administers the One Start One Stop Investment Center, which opened in November 2009 to facilitate a full range of services and streamline investment procedures by bringing representatives from more than 20 government agencies under one roof.
In addition to the activities of the BOI, other government organizations, such as the Department of Export Promotion and international chambers of commerce, provide invaluable support and a host of other important services.

EGAT has also announced its solicitations for power purchase from IPP projects to enhance competition in the generation business. This has been followed by power purchase from small power producers (SPPs) to particularly promote energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources for electricity generation.
In terms of international cooperation, EGAT has collaborated with neighboring countries in pursuing the ASEAN Power Grid Project to integrate the transmission systems within ASEAN countries for energy security and mutual economic benefits. The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand is also in talks with neighbouring countries, to make joint developments in hydropower projects.

Amidst changes and challenges, EGAT has been and will be tirelessly developing the country’s electric power system to ensure that its electricity supply remains the most secure and reliable infrastructure service which contributes significantly to the betterment of the quality of life and the environment and drives the country’s economic and social growth in the future. The expertise and experience gained over 35 years of operation have provided EGAT with the multi-faceted power and strength needed in maintaining its leadership and a competitive edge in the new business environment.

The law was introduced in 2007 under the post-coup government of General Surayudh Chulanont. In that context it was immediately assailed as a political weapon by critics who claimed that the legislation was passed to stifle online discussions and criticism of the coup that ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, as well as to head off debates about the roles and influence of the military and the monarchy in the Kingdom’s realities. Thailand Business News

Read the original:
Thailand’s Computer Crime Act still a major threat to free expression

Real GDP fell 6.3 percent between the third quarter of 2008 and the first quarter of 2009, as global demand slumped, before rebounding 6.9 percent through the end of 2009. The rebound was due to a recovery in global demand, an end to inventory liquidation and a pickup in private consumption as confidence returned.
Policies that could contribute to reducing Thailand’s dependence on foreign demand include a phased liberalization of the services sector, boosting transport infrastructure, a reform of educational curricula and improved access and quality of higher education to boost skills of the labor force, better integration of universities, firms and government, and improved social safety nets

Total shareholder returns (TSR) for 2009 are calculated by assuming that investors reinvest all cash received over the course of the year to determine a total return from one’s investment. The 2009 analysis covers 505 companies from the Stock Exchange of Thailand and the Market for Alternative Investment and is based on share valuations as of Dec 31 and dividend payments made over the 2009 calendar year.
But for the smaller companies, you see much greater volatility in returns,’’ he said, adding that smaller firms on the SET with market cap below $200 million offer 40% to 60% lower long-term TSRs compared with their larger brethren.

According to the Real Estate Information Research and Valuation Centre, unsold homes and new housing completions as of mid-year totalled about 98,748 unit Thailand Business News

Read the original post:
Big supply of unsold units to hit condo market in Bangkok

On the demand side, the importance of external demand can be fully appreciated by recognizing that the bulk of inventories in Thailand are primarily inputs and finished goods for the export-oriented manufacturing. In the fourth quarter of 2009, for example, net exports and the change in inventories contributed 44 percent of the quarterly growth.
All in all, a more favorable external environment should help boost real GDP growth to 6.2 percent in 2010. After this year, slower growth in developed countries, emerging capacity constraints as capacity idled during the crisis is quickly put to use, and the weight of the ongoing political turmoil on new investment, should likely keep growth below Thailand’s historical average of 5.1 percent. On the whole, Thailand’s fiscal and financial picture remains solid

The relative strength and power of sovereign wealth funds is massively increasing, and the money has to go somewhere.
In part, this may reflect the greater volatility in earnings in smaller companies.

The International Monetary Fund said last month it expects Thailand’s economy to expand 7%-8% this year, while the Asian Development Bank pushed up its GDP growth projection to 5.5% from 4%. Thailand Business News

Link:
Thailand’s 2010 GDP growth revised up to 8%

With a well-developed infrastructure, a free-enterprise economy, generally pro-investment policies, and strong export industries, Thailand enjoyed solid growth from 2000 to 2008 – averaging more than 4% per year – as it recovered from the Asian financial crisis of 1997-98. Thai exports – mostly machinery and electronic components, agricultural commodities, and jewelry – continue to drive the economy, accounting for as much as three-quarters of GDP. The global financial crisis of 2008-09 severely cut Thailand’s exports, with most sectors experiencing double-digit drops. In 2009, the economy contracted about 2.8%. The Thai government is focusing on financing domestic infrastructure projects and stimulus programs to revive the economy, as external trade is still recovering and persistent internal political tension and investment disputes threaten to damage the investment climate.
Base effects are expected to lead to an increase in inflation readings in the fourth quarter of 2009 and into 2010, but monetary policy is likely to remain accommodative. In the same way that the deflation in 2009 has not warranted a more aggressive monetary policy reaction despite the Bank of Thailand having a lower bound of zero on its inflation target, positive inflation in 2010 should not lead to aggressive tightening either, and the Bank of Thailand is not expected to raise rates until the second half of 2010 despite rising inflation readings.

Long – established and newly emerging industries

With steady economic development and strong support industries, the country’s industrial production has grown and diversified rapidly both in long –established and newly emerging industries.
The government has emphasized attracting investment in six sectors that have been determined to be key to the country’s developmental objectives. These six target industries include: agriculture and agro-industry, alternative energy, automotive, electronics and ICT, fashion, and value-added services including entertainment, healthcare and tourism.

Thai Friendly and rich culture

Thailand has gained a well-deserved reputation throughout the world for its gracious hospitality. The friendliness of its people and the diverse nature of Thai culture make visitors feel safe and at home in Thailand.

Education and healthcare services in Thailand

The education standards in Thailand are accepted by many international examining bodies, and a great number of international schools and colleges offer world-class education, while its universities are outstanding.
In terms of healthcare, the country has developed an excellent reputation globally, due to its internationally-certified doctors and medical staff, and modern facilities and equipment. It is so good that one of the fastest-rising tourism sectors is medical tourism, with international patients visiting Thailand to take advantage of Thailand’s world-class and extremely affordable health care system.

Thailand’s geographical advantage favors transforming Thailand to be the energy hub of the region

The course of Thailand’s electricity industry development has set forth a goal of greater efficiency – both on the supply side and demand side. The aim is to ensure the optimization of energy resources and minimization of environmental impacts, with an ultimate goal of sustainable energy development. On the other hand, the industry has also had to properly adjust to economic and social changes as well as national energy policies and strategies over the past decades.
For some time, the government has encouraged more private participation in the electricity generation business in order to reduce the public investment burden and enhance greater competition in the industry.

In compliance with the national policy, EGAT established and listed the Electricity Generating Public Company Limited (EGCO), the country’s first independent power producer (IPP), in 1992 to mobilize funds from the stock market for its power investment, followed by the privatization of Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Public Company Limited (RATCH), EGAT’s subsidiary founded in 2000.

Foreign banks operating in Thailand reiterated their readiness to increase lending in an effort to help maintain the country’s economic growth momentum.Thai banks provide a wide range of services throughout the country. Most foreign banks are represented, however, at this stage they offer limited services to the individual consume Thailand Business News

Go here to see the original:
Growth momentum encourages Foreign banks operating in Thailand

Sectors linked to external demand (namely, manufacturing, hotels and transport) have been the main contributors to growth since the 1997-98 Asian financial crisis, and have also determined the dynamics of the economy in 2008-09. These sectors have accounted for almost all of the annual changes in real GDP.
All in all, a more favorable external environment should help boost real GDP growth to 6.2 percent in 2010. After this year, slower growth in developed countries, emerging capacity constraints as capacity idled during the crisis is quickly put to use, and the weight of the ongoing political turmoil on new investment, should likely keep growth below Thailand’s historical average of 5.1 percent. On the whole, Thailand’s fiscal and financial picture remains solid

Alexander Wood, a founding partner of AWR Lloyd, believes the global crisis has acted as a catalyst for a fundamental, structural change in the global capital markets. The real new players in the markets are the sovereign wealth funds.
But another factor is likely the presence of larger, institutional investors in large-cap stocks who are more concerned about long-term performance than short-term market movements.