Industry

Issue 44

As the 57th Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair nears, industry professionals are looking towards the country taking a global centre stage.

Suttipong Damrongsakul believes that the Thai gems and jewelry industry is on course to become the hub not just of ASEAN but of the world within the next few years. “We need to focus more on some certain issues to achieve our target Thailand as the gem and jewelry hub,” says the president of the Thai Gems and Jewelry Traders Association (TGJTA), outlining his blueprint for the industry.

“First, we should build up more skilled workers and designers. Second, find the way to fix the shortage of upstream materials like rough stones. Third, stimulate marketing support for manufacturers and exporters. Fourth, amend the laws to support the industry. Next, help SME to access financial support. And last, encourage technology and innovation development,” he says.

However, his current emphasis is to work with the government. “Now our priority is to focus on the law which will remove the 20% import duty on machinery, tools, equipment and gold chain as well as 7% VAT for cut stones,” he says, adding he expects legislation to be passed later this year.

Thailand’s gems and jewelry industry constitutes an essential part of the country’s export trade. “The jewelry industry is ranked third to the value of 35 billion baht (about $98 billion), after automobiles and electronics,” Damrongsakul says. “In 2015, this industry grew by over 3%, and in 2016 we expect growth to be 3 to 5%.”

One of the most effective channels for driving Thailand to be the hub of the gem and jewelry is the bi-annual Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair (BGJF), the second largest industry show in Asia. “BGJF is an international B2B trade fair – a marketing tool to present Thai jewelry products and craftsmanship,” Damrongsakul says. The 57th BGJF was held at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center from February 24 to 28.

According to him, Thailand has certain assets that gives it an advantage over other countries. “The strength of our gems and jewelry industry is the skill of Thai people. It has been well accepted by the consumers around the world. Thailand is also a good place to do business in the region compared to Singapore, Hong Kong or China. Our business operation costs are much affordable for business people,” he says. “Thailand could be a centre not only for AEC but AEC+6.”

Somchai Phornchindarak, president of the Gems, Jewelry and Precious Metal Confederation of Thailand (GJPCT) says Thailand has a global reputation “not only for craftsmanship but innovation, such as heat enhancement techniques to produce coloured gemstones, which we call Ploi Thai.”

According to the over 40-year industry veteran, BGJF is growing year-on-year. “Now we have more than 25,000 exhibitors – 65% are local companies and 35% from overseas,” he says identifying the Design Pavilion, which included some exquisite art pieces from the Art of Kingdom – an exhibition of traditional Thai masterpieces displayed in the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall to show Queen Sirikit's support for Thai craftsmanship – the Gemopolis Auction and the Ruby Symposium as this year’s highlights.

On the third day of the BGJF, the International Press Conference was held with attendance from over 20 media around the world. Five panelists from the GJPCT and TGJTA spoke on the success of the 57th BGJF, future plans for 2017 and the objective of propelling Thailand to become the ASEAN hub of gems and jewelry.

The International Press Conference was supported by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Centara Grand at Central Plaza Ladprao Bangkok.  

For more information, visit www.bangkokgemsfair.com

Words by Natthinee Ratanaprasidhi

 


 

 

Issue 43

With the rise of international schools in Thailand, parents need no longer feel they need to send their children overseas for better schooling claims the head of Bromsgrove International School.

“We do understand why many Thai parents want their children to study abroad because they believe that their children will get higher education quality there,” says Duenpen Pawakranond, the director of Bromsgrove International School. “They now have more choice [in Thailand]. Our school has provided British-pattern education which is internationally recognised as one of the highest standards of education at an affordable price here in Thailand.”

Established 10 years ago Bromsgrove is a co-educational boarding and day school, offering the British curriculum, with certified British teachers from pre-school to secondary school. It currently has approximately 400 students from 12 nationalities.

Pawakranond believes that one of its advantages is its size. “We provide smaller class sizes to ensure that each student is very well taken care of with more personalised attention. Also, there is personal life learning focusing on the aptitude and ability of each student, which is very effective with smaller groups of students,” she says.

The school has successfully cooperated with reputable schools on exchange programmes including Bromsgrove School, UK, which has been established for more than 460 years and also Daewon Foreign Language High School, which is regarded as the best school in South Korea.

In addition to its academic strength, the school has a strong emphasis on its extra-curricula activities.

“We provide the best pastoral care in a homely environment,” says the school director. “We also support after school activities, such as cooking, sport as well as tutoring. It is the best solution for modern parents who are always busy in their work life. They can contact us anytime via Line or phone to discuss their child’s development.”

Nowadays, the international school sector is big business in Thailand, with approximately 120 schools and rising.

“With the formation of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), effective communication between member countries is a key to success,” says Pawakranond. “English language communication is undoubtedly the first priority, followed by cultural exchange. International school students surely have an advantage. They are more fluent in English and also understand the cultural differences, as they have friends from different nationalities in school.”

Even though Bromsgrove International School is already ranked as one of the top 10 international schools in Thailand, it is committed to continue developing to deliver the best education for its students. “Our school is like a tree that we have planted and we continue nourishing it,” says Pawakranond. “We truly want to see it grow firmly and sustainably to be the shady home for all our students.”

For more information, visit: www.bromsgrove.ac.th

Words by Patcharee Taedangpetch, Photo courtesy of Bromsgrove International School


 

 

Issue 41

The Department of Industrial Promotion targets the Big Five in its new strategy to propel Thailand as a regional production base.
Prasong Nilbanchong, deputy director-general of the Department of Industrial Promotion (DIP), has announced the department’s new strategy that is designed to drive Thailand to become one of the world’s best production bases.

“We need to set the new direction for developing our main industries in order to more effectively compete with other countries,” Nilbanchong said at the press conference for the Prime Minister’s Best Industry Award 2015, held at the IMPACT Arena, Bangkok on September 25, 2015.
Nilbanchong then set out the department’s strategy to drive the country’s key industries, particularly the so-called Big Five – the food and beverage; automobile and autoparts; textiles; rubber; and electrical and electronics industries.

Issue 42

A thriving pet accessories business has developed out of one woman’s love for her dog.

A dog might be man’s best friend, but pets in general are proving beneficial to the Thai economy.

According to a 2014 report by the Thai Pet Product Industries Association, the industry generated some 11,000 million baht in 2014, showing a growth of more than 10% from the previous year.

Talent Thai Award 2014 winner Mha Dog and Living confirms this trend. The brand was inspired by its managing director and founder Anchana Thongpaithoon’s search for accessories for her beloved puppy.

“Mha Dog and Living was born out of my love,” Thongpaithoon says. “I wanted well-designed stuff for my puppy but I found none in the market, so I created them by myself. After learning by trial and error, I started producing them for sale and Mha Dog and Living brand finally happened.”

Three years on, Mha Dog and Living has developed a reputation for using the finest quality products, producing unique designs and helping to foster a bond between owner and pet.

“My products are made to make owners and their beloved pets have special time together,” Thongpaithoon says. “For example, my scarf is not ready-made. I want pet owners to tie it for their dogs as it helps create a bond between them.”

Besides premium products such as creative and well-made tents, handmade cushions and beautiful scarves, Thongpaithoon has recently developed two more lines – Mud Collection and The Message Collection.

“I want to send a message corresponding to the current situation,” she says. “For instance, a year ago, there was news about dog trafficking in Thailand so I produced big backrest pillows that said ‘Dogs are friends not food.’ I want to send this message to raise awareness. A portion of each purchase is also donated to various charities.”

Social media channels including Facebook and Instagram have helped the brand reach international markets particularly the UK and Japan. “They like our products and we are now in the process of negotiating [with potential buyers],” Thongpaithoon says.

Although its products have attracted interest from clients in Thailand and many countries, Thongpaithoon promises to keep developing new products in order to remain competitive and achieve higher customer satisfaction.

“Preserving the best quality and service is very important,” she says. “Most of our products have been delicately designed and made by hand. I myself take care of each production step like on day one and I will always do so. I remember that I started it from love and I do understand pet lovers. They want the best thing for their pets and my job is to deliver what they are looking for.”

For more information, visit: www.facebook.com/Mha-Dog-And-Living

Words by Patcharee Taedangpetch, Photo courtesy of Mha Dog and Living

 

 

The CEO of Bangkok Stem Cell explains how the company wishes to make its medical technology more accessible, as well as expand across the region.

Bangkok Stem Cell (BSC) was established in 2010 by doctors and scientists who are experts in stem cell research. In the subsequent five years, BSC has received accreditation from international standards bodies including the National Environment Balancing Bureau (NEBB) and the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) in the US, as well as becoming a member of the International Society for Cellular Therapy.

Through its team of in-house scientists and doctors BSC can undercut other companies that are reliant upon imports.

“The cost of our stem cell banking per each client is around 60,000-90,000 baht, while other franchises from international companies charge more,” says Dr Veerapol Khemarangsan, BSC’s CEO, while adding that the lower price does not mean the standard is compromised in any way.

According to Dr Khemarangsan, BSC is the only medical practice in Asia that has an adipose tissue bank for adults. It is also Thailand’s “largest and most experienced mesenchymal stem cell bank”.

“Doctors and researchers have found that this type of stem cell is more durable, easier to extract, genetically stable and, most important of all, has the potential to transform into all types of tissue found in the body,” he says.

Dr Khemarangsan believes there is a huge potential for stem cell banking in Thailand, due to the increasing number of diseases that are related to deteriorating cell quality. Sadly this service is only affordable to the more affluent.

“Our clients now are in the A and B+ sections of society,” he says. “We hope to get into the B sector soon, as we want to change their perception of stem cell banking – that it is truly worth investing in and not scary anymore.”

Despite a lack of knowledge of the benefits of stem cell banking in Thailand, BSC has experienced rapid growth - up 130% last year and a further 150% this year. The company has expanded its business to Vietnam and Myanmar and is currently in the process of signing a contract with clinics in Singapore, while Cambodia and Malaysia are also showing positive signs for future corporation. Dr Khemarangsan believes that increasing knowledge of stem cell in these countries presents a great opportunity for BSC.

Although the good doctor is satisfied with the company’s expansion overseas, he remains committed to the development of the cutting edge medical technology in his native country.

“We want to help Thai scientists and doctors become experts in stem cell technology,” he says. “We then plan to set up the Bangkok Stem Cell Foundation to provide [free] scholarships. We aim to make developed countries accept us more This is going to be one of the high-end medical innovation providers in the world.”

For more information, please visit https://www.bangkokstemcell.org

Words by: Patcharee Taedangpetch, Photo courtesy of Bangkok Stem Cell Company Limited

 

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