It is a strange experience living in the heart of Bangkok, yet doing my shopping at Tesco, my banking with Standard Chartered and switching on the TV to watch Everton play, their shirts emblazoned with the logos of their sponsor - a Thai company! Such is the deep commercial connectedness between the UK and Thailand - a relationship now worth £3bn a year.
This week's Doing Business in Asia road-show comes at an important time for Thailand, as it tries to re-establish its status as the leading manufacturing hub of South East Asia following the political demonstrations in Bangkok earlier this year.
The economy is now growing at over 7 per cent, powered by a surge in production in the automotive and engineering sectors. Opportunities exist for UK companies, both large and small, across a wide range of sectors, from agribusiness to life sciences, energy, retail, education, infrastructure, and engineering.
Indeed, the relative ease of doing business in Thailand, combined with the support of the British Embassy and the British Chambers of Commerce, makes it a particularly appealing destination for UK companies taking their first steps into the Asia region.
Bradley Jones, Director of Trade & Investment, UKTI Bangkok
1 comment
Comment by John A posted on
Last time when I was in Bangkok - I hardly felt I was away from home. My first shock (mild) was seeing a Tesco branded biscuit pack on the airport exit.
Then the seeing all of the expats there really reminded me south of span in 80s!
Not only Thailand but also the surrounding countries are booming in export. They can be a new destination for UK businesses.