The British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) has a long history of working with businesses on the East Coast. As early as 1998, Board Director (now Honorary Advisor and former Chairman) Graham MacDonald and Executive Director Greg Watkins established an Eastern Seaboard Group, the first foreign chamber in Thailand to do so.
This was an acknowledgment that there was then and now huge business activity outside of Bangkok – approximately 10% of BCCT's membership is based on the East Coast. Graham: “The first group was very international with an American, Australian, New Zealander, Thai and me, a Scot! We quickly started organizing regular networking events and site visits. Over the years, others have started organizing events, so that there is now a monthly company networking evening preceded by a company briefing.
During the Covid-19 crisis, BCCT has reached out to Eastern Seaboard companies to listen to concerns and issues and assist where possible. Discussions initially focused on concerns about Thailand's labor law and how it could be applied. More specifically, what obligations companies have in the future if, even with discussions and “mutual agreements” with employees, what might actually happen and whether companies might be open to some form of legal action through the labor courts. This may cause problems in the future.
There was also some discussion focused on delays for businesses in receiving VAT refunds and the serious impact this has on business cash flow. Another problem is the apparently arbitrary interpretation of harmonized codes for goods that can cause large differences in import duties. There also seems to be no real ASEAN consensus on the matter.
The third major issue raised by representatives at the meeting was the need for clarity in terms of a timetable for bringing much-needed business experts and technicians into Thailand — with or without quarantine. Business deals need to be signed, technical support is required to close important contracts.
Working closely with Thai ministries, industry associations and associations, and the Thai and foreign business community, the FCA strives to develop foreign investment and trade in Thailand for the benefit of the country, as well as all FCA Chambers member companies and their employees. FCA provides a diverse but unified voice on matters of common values and mutual interest to its members.
Source: Pattaya Mail