Thailand Business
• Main exports: Rice, precious stones and jewellery, office equipment, textiles and clothing.
• Main imports: Chemicals, electrical machinery and crude oil.
• Main trade partners: USA, Japan, China (PR), Malaysia and the EU.
Economy
Things took an upward turn in 2004 due to domestic demand and strong exports, giving the economy resilience to the outbreak of avian influenza and soaring oil prices. However, following the tsunami in December 2004, sharp rises in world oil prices and domestic political turmoil following the military coup in September 2006 affected growth. In 2007 the inflation rate was 2.2% with unemployment down to 1.4%.
Following the financial collapse in 1997 the government launched the Amazing Thailand campaign which increased tourist arrivals dramatically, all keen to take advantage of the favourable exchange rate. Arrival numbers peaked in 2002 but were down by 10% in 2003 with the occurrence of SARS. However, visitor numbers have improved steadily and were more than 14 million in 2007 - a 4.65% increase on 2006.
Business Etiquette
Office hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1700.
Government office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1200 and 1300-1630.
Conferences & Conventions
Business Contacts
22/77 Rachadapisek Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Tel: (2) 511 5066.
Website: www.thaitrade.com
Thai Chamber of Commerce
150 Rajbopit Road, 2146, 10200 Bangkok, Thailand
Tel: (2) 622 1860.
Website: www.thaiechamber.com
Thailand Incentive and Convention Association (TICA)
99/7 The Legacy Vipawadee Building, Soi Lardprao 8, Lardyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand
Tel: (2) 938 6590.
Website: www.tica.or.th
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