Embassy visit to Chiang Mai

Mrs. Doris Voorbraak (4th from the left in the photo) has been the new deputy Chef de Poste at the Dutch embassy in Bangkok.

Its “portfolio” also includes Economy, Trade and Investment, Culture and Political Affairs. She paid a working visit from 12 – 14 March 2014 to get acquainted Chiang Mai to explore the socio-economic situation on the ground from the perspective of the local stakeholders.

During that visit she was interviewed by CityNews Chiang Mai, which resulted in the following conversation:

CN: Thank you for being willing to talk to us. I am a layman in this field, but what is the purpose of your visit to Chiang Mai? 

For me this was my first introduction to Chiang Mai. I am very happy to have finally visited the city, my daughter's favorite place, after she came here on a school trip several years ago. I am well aware of all its wonders as a tourist destination and I will definitely come back to explore its magic.

Of course I am here now because of the economic importance. The embassy has many valuable, long-term business contacts. This was my first chance to visit Dutch companies, small and large, and meet investors and Thai business leaders. 

I also met with respected academics and learned their vision of the future challenges and opportunities to support this thriving and dynamic community, Chiang Mai is rapidly transforming and the Netherlands can be a partner in that growing development. 

CN: Who and what did you visit during your visit to Chiang Mai and why? 

My visit was organized on the occasion of a networking event organized by the Netherlands-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC). I have therefore met many members of the Dutch business community. I was part of a large group that visited two very prominent Dutch companies, Driessen (the largest producer of aircraft trolleys in the world with a market share of 80%) and the recently opened Promenada Resort Lifestyle Mall. Both very impressive and innovative companies and providers of many local job opportunities in Chiang Mai.

But I was also very happy with the opportunity to visit long-standing contacts of the Embassy, ​​such as the East-West Seed Company and the growers of “take-me-home” tomatoes. Our trade relations with Thailand in the food and agriculture sectors can still be expanded. I had an inspiring conversation with people from the Federation of Thai Industries about strengthening the collaboration with Food Valley Thailand and I will initiate a conversation with Food Valley Netherlands about this. 

CN: There are many Dutch expats in Chiang Mai, do you have an idea of ​​their numbers? Do you know why the Dutch feel particularly attracted to Chiang Mai? 

Dutch people are not obliged to register with the Embassy, ​​so we do not have any concrete figures about numbers. Estimates I hear range from a few hundred to a few thousand.

Dutch people are attracted to Chiang Mai for several reasons, as I experienced during this trip: the easy and comfortable way of life, good facilities, business opportunities and last but not least the hospitality and welcoming attitude of our Thai hosts and friends.

CN: I assume that one of the most important tasks is to stimulate trade between Thailand and the Netherlands. What advice would you give Dutch entrepreneurs to do business here in Chiang Mai?

I visited many companies and at the moment I listen carefully to learn from those entrepreneurs. I receive many compliments on the way the Embassy and the Dutch government in general facilitate doing business here. I will of course be happy to pass on these compliments to my colleagues. The fact that the Dutch-Thai Chamber of Commerce (NTCC) has set up a branch here is proof of a growing demand for support in setting up a business. We welcome this initiative and because the NTCC is housed in our Embassy in Bangkok, we as partners can more easily support companies in Chiang Mai.

CN: There is quite a perception in the Western media that Thailand is unsafe due to the recent actions in Bangkok, leading to a decline in tourism. Is there anything you can do to change that perception to reassure people?

We have continuously reported the situation in Bangkok on our website, Facebook page and Twitter account with factual information but never discouraged Dutch people from coming. We have no reason to believe that tourism from the Netherlands has decreased.

CN: At this time of year, air pollution is a major problem in Northern Thailand. Dutch people are known to be very environmentally conscious. Is there anything you can do to help us with this?

In the past, there has been cooperation in the field of urban planning and development. The Dutch expertise on “green” cities is well known worldwide and there is also a great demand for it. The Urban Development Institution Foundation (UDIF), which I also visited, is running a major project on raising awareness of environmental issues, particularly targeting young people.

Local environmental groups, supported by the government, have been essential in improving the environment in the Netherlands. The same could be true for Chiang Mai, where the city government and residents should make environmental awareness a priority. We will be happy to provide the inspiration and assistance in that process, based on Dutch experiences. 

CN: Again, thank you for this conversation!

Source: City News Chiang Mai website