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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,

hans@cphpost.dk, 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: pr@royalprojectthailand.com

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

TECH-SAVVY THAILAND

EMBASSY SUPPLEMENTB

y the Thai O

ffice of Science and T

echnolo

gy, B

russels

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

Gastrochef Copenhagen Post Print ad 1/4 page 105mm x 144mm (10mm bleed)

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: ah@asia-house.dk

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 (elj@asia-house.dk)

Administrator Charlotte Bjørner (cb@asia-house.dk)

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 thailanna@thailanna.dkw 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

(ah@asia-house.dk) 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.

AdvertorialPic: H

asse Ferrold

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