Bio-Business in Thailand

Why Thailand?

Market Access

The combination of Thailand’s abundant natural resources and skilled workforce provides investors with the critical inputs for successful ventures, which are enhanced by additional support from the Thai government in key sectors. These prioritized sectors include automotives, ICT/electronics, agriculture, fashion, alternative energy, biotechnology and high valueadded services. The country also fares well when specific manufactured products are examined. For example, Thailand is the world’s prime producer of natural rubber as well as a top exporter of rice, shrimp, canned and frozen seafood and canned tuna, along with canned pineapples and cassava. The country is also the second major exporter of sugar. Thailand leads the world in manufacturing hard disk drives, with over one third of the world market, and is also well on the way to being among the top-ten auto manufacturing countries.

Thailand is strategically located in the heart of Asia, with easy access to some of the world’s most dynamic markets as well as a domestic market of 65 million people. Its attractiveness as a production base for leading international companies is further enhanced by the host of Free Trade Agreements (FTA) or Early Harvest Schemes signed by Thailand that provide such advantages as duty-free imports of raw materials and components, as well as duty free access to markets around the world. Thailand has already signed agreements with countries such as China, India, AFTA, Japan, New Zealand and Australia.

Ease of Living

Looking beyond the country’s industrial attractiveness, when it comes to lifestyle there are few countries who can combine the above environment with a low cost attractive lifestyle. The Mercer Human Resource Consulting Cost of Living Survey (worldwide ranking 2008), places Thailand far down the list at no. 95. Thus, not only can individual business excel in Thailand’s business environment, but family members too will benefit and prosper from the experience. Thailand offers the expatriate community among the best international schools in Asia.

In addition to a commitment to excellence in education, Thailand prides itself on an excellent national cuisine that is enjoyed the world over. There is also a wide selection of restaurants offering an international menu with everything from European to Chinese cuisine to choose from. So no matter what the palate, eating and enjoying a meal in Thailand is not another chore, but a way of life and a good way to do business. And for those just looking for leisure can expect world class shopping complexes, beach and mountain resorts, hotels and golf courses.

Modern Infrastructure

For over two decades, successive Thai governments have understood the importance of infrastructure in creating attractive investment conditions. Industrial estates and parks in all major regions are linked by road, rail and air. The system includes seven international airports, a rail system linking neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Singapore, river transport linking with Laos, Myanmar and Southern China and a series of eight large container ports linking with the rest of the world.

Skilled Labor

To ensure the future development of the biotechnology industry, the National Biotechnology Policy Framework (NBPF) estimates future demand for an additional 500 biotech managers and 10,000 biotech university graduates. Twenty-four of Thailand’s universities have the combined annual capacity to supply 800-900 individuals with undergraduate biotechnology degrees, 300-400 Masters recipients and 100 PhDs. BIOTEC is also conducting a regional capacity building program to enhance the skill and availability of human resources for Thailand’s biotechnology industry.

Intellectual Property (IP) Protection

Currently there are seven legal acts protecting IP rights in Thailand:

• Patent Act B.E. 2522.
• Copyright Act B.E. 2537.
• Trademarks Act B.E. 2534.
• Plant Variety Protection Act B.E. 2542.
• Protection of Layout-Designs of Integrated Circuits Act B.E. 2543.
• Trade Secret Act B.E. 2545.
• Protection of Geographical Indications Act B.E. 2546.

Why Now?

While the world is struggling with economic downturn, there is no better time to look for new pastures. Those who invest now will find their businesses strategically placed to take advantage of the economic upturn when conditions improve. And biotechnology is a business of the future. Thailand is seeking research partners and is actively promoting bio-business as a strategic industry.