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The Japan Times
WORLD EYE REPORTS
THAILAND |
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©THE JAPAN TIMES
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Saturday, August 9, 2003
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Southeast Asia's success story
Six years after the Asian currency meltdown, the scene in Thailand could not be more different. Foreign capital is pouring into the country, investor confidence remains high and the economy is stronger than those of its Southeast Asian neighbors.
From the rubble of the 1997 economic downturn, Thailand has beaten the odds to emerge as one of the few economic powerhouses of Southeast Asia. By boosting domestic and foreign demand and implementing much-needed fiscal, political, and social policies, the country has also provided fellow members of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) with a clear blueprint for economic growth.
While bad debts, financial instability and political uncertainty continue to plague some of the rest of the ASEAN countries, Thailand is attracting a significant amount of foreign direct investment and posting higher GDP growth than its neighbors.
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eBox
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Recognized as a leading innovator of new and superior products, Thai Fuji Xerox - “The Document Company” provides customized and up-to-date solutions to varied business sectors. It has nationwide operations with a staff of 1,200 to serve anybody who trust Xerox. www.fujixerox.co.th |
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Established in 1954 and with a total of 1,160 members as of March 2003, the Japan Chamber of Commerce in Bangkok is the largest in the world. It promotes the interests of Japanese companies in Thailand, as well as cultural exchange and bilateral trade. www.jcc.or.th |
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Located on Krabi in southern Thailand, the highly exclusive Rayavadee caters specifically to the refined vacationer. Experience unparalleled luxury and privacy of exquisitely furnished pavilions. Scale limestone cliffs, play some tennis, swim at a shoreside pool, unwind at its world-class spa, or explore the nearby rainforest or lagoon. www.rayavadee.com |
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Celebrating 50 years as Thailand’s leading telephone and telecommunications service provider, TOT Corporation PCL offers a wide range of services and communications solutions and boasts nationwide coverage, constant innovation, and top-quality customer care. www.tot.co.th |
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Get the latest buzz on one of the world's most popular tourist destinations at the official Web site of the Tourism Authority of Thailand. www.tat.or.th or tourismthailand.org |
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 Bangkok's Grand Palace presides over a kingdom bouncing back strongly from the crisis of 1997 |
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Situated in the heart of Southeast Asia -- roughly equidistant between India to the west and the Philippines to the east -- Thailand has been a migratory crossroads throughout its history. A constitutional monarchy since 1932, Thailand has also molded an impressive social and cultural cohesiveness which makes the country a stable location for investment. FULL STORY
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Ushering in a new era for Thailand’s telecoms giant
2002 saw the beginning of a transitional period for Thailand’s entire telecommunications industry. For almost 50 years, the Telephone Organization of Thailand (TOT) had been the leading and only provider of telecommunication services in the country. However, on July 31, 2002, the formerly state-owned monopoly officially became a public company. The majority shareholder of TOT Public Corporation, as it is now known, is the Thai Ministry of Finance. TOT’s activities are now monitored by the newly created Ministry of Information, Communication and Technology. While resembling a private corporation, TOT remains an important state enterprise.
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 Sittichai Songpiriyakit, president of Telephone Organization of Thailand |
TOT no longer has any control over Thai regulations. Having transformed into a service provider competing in an open market, the company will undoubtedly benefit from the Thai government’s aim to liberalize the industry by 2006 and increase private sector loans. With a clear distinction between its business as a service provider and its former regulator responsibilities, TOT can now focus on profitable ventures. FULL STORY
 Masahiro Tamura, managing director of Sony Thai |
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You can always get what you want – from Sony
Since first being registered as an official trademark in 1955, Sony has become synonymous with quality products and up-to-the-minute innovations. Now with the digital age well and truly upon us, Sony continues to play an important role in providing customers with the products they desire.
Masahiro Tamura, managing director of Sony Thai, reveals the secret of success on how he remains one step of the competition-by constantly asking the question: “What do customers expect from Sony?”
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In Thailand, customers expect a great deal from consumer electronics manufacturers like Sony. New products are being made available to a market eager to take on the latest digital technologies. According to Tamura, the company’s 15 years of experience in Thailand have enabled customers to fully understand what Sony stands for. Sony Thai is now clearly focused on the future. FULL STORY
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Thailand
Official name: The Kingdom of Thailand
Government type: Constitutional monarchy
Capital: Bangkok
Total Area: 514,000 sq km
Population: 62.35 million
Currency: Baht (THB)
Average exchange rate: $1=42.44
GDP: $119 billion (2001)
GDP: (Composition by sector): Agriculture- 11%, Industry-40%, Services-49%
Main Industries: Motor Vehicles,
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Tourism, Textiles and Garments, Agricultural processing, Beverages, Tobacco, Cement, Light manufacturing
Imports: $62.3 Billion
Industrial production growth rate: 4% (2001)
Exports: $65.3 Billion
Main exports: Computers, transistors, seafood, clothing
Main export partners (value share): US (23%), Japan (14%), Singapore (8%), China (6%), Hong Kong (5%), Malaysia (4%)
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