webfact Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Special Report: Thailand to focus more on high-tech industriesBANGKOK: -- Thailand’s investment promotion strategies will focus more on high-technology industries, while labor-intensive industries will continue, as the country wants to generate employment for low-income earners as well.The policy has been given by Head of the National Council for Peace and Order General Prayuth Chan-Ocha, who serves as Chairman of the new Board of Investment (BOI).According to General Prayuth, labor intensive industries have been emphasized in the past. However, things have changed; high-technology industries must receive greater attention today than before and there must also be technology transfer. Other activities that would be focused upon include those creating added value, with priority given to the use of local raw materials.Priority will also be given to energy-saving technologies and the promotion of renewable energy sources, such as ethanol, biodiesel, biogas, biomass, and solar and wind energy. Moreover, the investment promotion policy will place great emphasis on environmentally friendly activities. The objective is to strengthen the country’s industries and contribute to energy self-reliance in the future.As for entrepreneurs who have already obtained licenses to set up factories and have not done so within the stipulated timeframe, for example one year, the NCPO may consider revoking the licenses and prohibiting the right to transfer the licenses within the said timeframe, to prevent corruption involving the resale of the licenses.As for the appointment of the new BOI Board, the NCPO announced that appointed board members included those from all concerned sectors. General Prayuth pointed out that the move would provide an opportunity for all groups of entrepreneurs, including the President of the Association for Promotion of Thai Small and Medium Enterprises, to be involved in driving the economy and promoting investment.In other related issues, General Prayuth quoted a report by the Office of the National Economic and Development Board that Thailand’s consumer confidence index increased for the first time in 14 months, from 57.7 in April to 60.7 in May 2014. As the political tension has eased, concern over the situation among consumers has dissipated and the baht has appreciated.The total value of investment in stocks and bonds accounted for eight billion baht and nine billion baht, respectively. This shows that investors have more confidence in the NCPO’s economic policies.-- NNT 2014-06-19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smedly Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 The only problem is that anything HiTech is not their own, they rely completely on technology coming from outside Thailand 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrTuner Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 (edited) Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Edited June 19, 2014 by DrTuner 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post cdmtdm Posted June 19, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted June 19, 2014 invest in real education for everyone before you even consider high tech industry ...... i have never met so many people with degrees that are literally useless here, let alone abroad ..... 10 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Utley Posted June 19, 2014 Popular Post Share Posted June 19, 2014 Hi-tech industries require a highly educated workforce which is an enigma here in the Kingdom. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
impulse Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Waiving the 4 Thai employees wouldn't budge the companies they want. They don't want bootstrap startups- they want to see significant investment. Waiving the 51% Thai ownership requirement in industries where control of the proprietary technology makes or breaks the business- would make the difference. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
heybruce Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Is there a government anywhere that isn't trying to attract more hi-tech industries? Those that are serious about it offer world-class universities, make it easy and affordable to start a business, and make it easy (or not ridiculously difficult) for foreign talent to work in-country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimCM Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 So the 1 tablet per child is now going to be 1 tablet per hooker 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gulfsailor Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Is there a government anywhere that isn't trying to attract more hi-tech industries? Those that are serious about it offer world-class universities, make it easy and affordable to start a business, and make it easy (or not ridiculously difficult) for foreign talent to work in-country. All true. I have a pet project which is very high tech. Investors lined up to put money in. But I can't find local people with the required skills to move it forward. I can't bring in foreigners, so I am seriously contemplating moving to Singapore or back to Europe. So sad as I love this country. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bangon04 Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 The only problem is that anything HiTech is not their own, they rely completely on technology coming from outside Thailand You seem to forget that the low standard of education, the high salary expectations, the low productivity, the reliance on cheap migrant labour, the loose attitude to quality control, etc etc all suggest that high tech industry should be led by foreign companies, foreign management and foreign investment, all of which are discouraged by Thainess. So Pantip Plaza is probably a good example of Thai high tech achievement... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
selftaopath Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Is there a government anywhere that isn't trying to attract more hi-tech industries? Those that are serious about it offer world-class universities, make it easy and affordable to start a business, and make it easy (or not ridiculously difficult) for foreign talent to work in-country. If I remember correctly, Google wanted to set up shop in Thailand. They did not hear back from said govt officials and decided to go elsewhere. At the time I was just completely shocked that such an opportunity was squandered. Sorry don't have many facts/figures/dates .... just my memory. Maybe someone else on TV remembers this. Pity... could have been fantastic for Thais - or so I would think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DrTuner Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Waiving the 4 Thai employees wouldn't budge the companies they want. They don't want bootstrap startups- they want to see significant investment. Can't really think of any reason why an established Hi-Tech company would move to Thailand. A rep office would suffice. It isn't like Thailand has some deep hidden talent pool of professionals they could exploit. Quite the opposite, never mind the ownership rules, capital controls and other hurdles. The bootstrapped start-ups could proceed to seed financing, bringing an influx of foreign investment and if successful, proceed to larger financing rounds and an eventual exit. Ain't instant cash for Thailand's vaults, but more like an investment for the future. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h90 Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Waiving the 4 Thai employees wouldn't budge the companies they want. They don't want bootstrap startups- they want to see significant investment. Waiving the 51% Thai ownership requirement in industries where control of the proprietary technology makes or breaks the business- would make the difference. But that is silly. Better having 1000 start-ups with 2 Thai staff than I big company with 2000 staff. The big company may leave. But the 1000 startups don't leave all on the same day. From the big company maybe 50 people will get some real high-tech training. From the start-ups more will get some high-tech training and the rest will learn to be flexible in the office and communicate around the world. And some start ups may develop to something bigger....not long time ago Apple, Microsoft and Google were small Garage-companies. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taony Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Come on guys, why so cynical? He said it will happen. Therefore its already happened. TAT has already printed up brochures. -*I typed this myself*- 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TimCM Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 How can there be no mention of the word 'hub' on this page? 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catweazle Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Good point, bu unfortunately this will remain a dream, we're just here on sufferance, but not truly wanted in Thailand, let alone that Thais would hand us a legal foundation to own anything a 100% except a bike, a car and half of the concrete walls and flooring of a tiny condo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catweazle Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 How can there be no mention of the word 'hub' on this page? Because the new guy in charge is clever enough to not use it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sootybrown Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 How can there be no mention of the word 'hub' on this page? I wanted to say that. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LazyYogi Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. I'm not sure how things are going to change under the new BOI, but under the existing system they did have the power to waive both the 51% ownership and 4:1 worker ratio, as you can read about here. I know in the company I work for, for example, the company founder from Finland owns over 80% and our worker ratio is closer to 1 Thai for every 4 foreigners. But of course you need to apply for special promotion from the BOI to have them allow exceptions. It would make things much easier if they just relaxed these requirements across the board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scorecard Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors.Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Waiving the 4 Thai employees wouldn't budge the companies they want. They don't want bootstrap startups- they want to see significant investment. Can't really think of any reason why an established Hi-Tech company would move to Thailand. A rep office would suffice. It isn't like Thailand has some deep hidden talent pool of professionals they could exploit. Quite the opposite, never mind the ownership rules, capital controls and other hurdles. The bootstrapped start-ups could proceed to seed financing, bringing an influx of foreign investment and if successful, proceed to larger financing rounds and an eventual exit. Ain't instant cash for Thailand's vaults, but more like an investment for the future. Big picture there's nothing wrong with bootstrap / small business start ups. In all countries small business, in total, employees (creates employment opportunities) for a lot lot more than the total employed by big business. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
surangw Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 trying to be the HUB of poor quality tek items ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seastallion Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Waiving the 4 Thai employees wouldn't budge the companies they want. They don't want bootstrap startups- they want to see significant investment. Waiving the 51% Thai ownership requirement in industries where control of the proprietary technology makes or breaks the business- would make the difference. Waiving the 51% ownership requirement would see a relatively small group of Russian and Chinese grab a major holding in land. Be careful what you wish for. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seastallion Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 <script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script> Want Hi-Tech ? Make it easier for foreigners to create IT start-ups. This is how: Waive the four Thais rule for the first work permit for a foreigner, the consequent ones will need 4 Thais/foreigner. Create a scheme that allows secure foreign capital flow into the company, meaning by the very least allowing controlling shares for foreign investors. Not really all that hard, can be implemented in a day. Waiving the 4 Thai employees wouldn't budge the companies they want. They don't want bootstrap startups- they want to see significant investment. Can't really think of any reason why an established Hi-Tech company would move to Thailand. A rep office would suffice. It isn't like Thailand has some deep hidden talent pool of professionals they could exploit. Quite the opposite, never mind the ownership rules, capital controls and other hurdles. The bootstrapped start-ups could proceed to seed financing, bringing an influx of foreign investment and if successful, proceed to larger financing rounds and an eventual exit. Ain't instant cash for Thailand's vaults, but more like an investment for the future. Big picture there's nothing wrong with bootstrap / small business start ups. In all countries small business, in total, employees (creates employment opportunities) for a lot lot more than the total employed by big business. Nothing wrong, except 80% of them fail in any country you'd like to mention. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ThaiEskimo Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 (edited) Great job General! Keep up the good work! This is what Thailand needs: a focus on economy. To the thai visa commenters... There are many great reasons to start a company in Thailand. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) already provides many different incentives for business owners: better ratio than 4:1 staff own 100% of a Thai company as a foreigner 0% corporate income tax for up to 7 years own land (up to 1 rai for director) diplomatic entry at airport Read through the BOI manual, or check out this website with explains simply with infographics: SiamStartup.com Or message me, more than happy to tell my experiences running a high tech company in Thailand and how to apply for BOI licensing. Edited June 19, 2014 by ThaiEskimo 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oorinara Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Just wondering what's their definition of hi tech. LOS already has a bunch of factories manufacturing hard disk drive components, for instance. IT programming and solution services? Well, many of candidates may need to start from logical and analytical thinking course. Or even basic math, sorry to say. Airplane or medical device by Thai (non-foreign) company? Oh no,,, Sent from my iPhone using Thaivisa Connect Thailand Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
taony Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Hi tech is two guys to help you park your car instead of one. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saradoc1972 Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 The only problem is that anything HiTech is not their own, they rely completely on technology coming from outside Thailand Not true! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pisico Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Hi-tech industries require a highly educated workforce which is an enigma here in the Kingdom. Then you mean that we will never see a hard drive or computer entirely designed by Thais (no copies please) and assembled in Thailand? Remember what happened with the only Thai automobile produced for 2 years in the country? Ta Rom sold a smattering of units and bulk of production had to be sold to India no less. Quality wise was a definite bust. Highly educated workforce you say? Not in our dreams. Add to that a must have high sense of duty and dependability, a la Japanese. Thais are children of entitlements. Instead of striving to improve themselves and progress, the tend to gravitate towards cronyism and patronage. TIT 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nuddy Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 Great job General! Keep up the good work! This is what Thailand needs: a focus on economy. To the thai visa commenters... There are many great reasons to start a company in Thailand. The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) already provides many different incentives for business owners: better ratio than 4:1 staff own 100% of a Thai company as a foreigner 0% corporate income tax for up to 7 years own land (up to 1 rai for director) diplomatic entry at airport Read through the BOI manual, or check out this website with explains simply with infographics: SiamStartup.com Or message me, more than happy to tell my experiences running a high tech company in Thailand and how to apply for BOI licensing. Hey ThaiEskimo. Thats a really interesting site and I had not seen it before. Judging by your last line what is said on the website is actually implemented. Cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pisico Posted June 19, 2014 Share Posted June 19, 2014 The only problem is that anything HiTech is not their own, they rely completely on technology coming from outside Thailand Not true! Wrong! That is Low Tech. Rather underground tech. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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