Bangkok--30 Oct--BOI
Today (Thursday, 30 October 2008) Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) with Thai Airways International Public Company Limited (THAI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to provide special privileges to investors during Thailand Investment Year 2008-2009.
According to the MOU, BOI will nominate investors to receive the Gold Royal Orchid Plus membership and BOI-promoted companies to receive special corporate fares from THAI. The national carrier also agreed to provide special airfares for particular investment road show missions.
Presiding over the MOU Signing Ceremony, Deputy Prime Minister Dr. Olarn Chaipravat said that Thailand has continually been looking into ways to enhance the country’s competitiveness and to improve business environment as a world’s top investment location.
“Under Thailand Investment Year 2008-2009 and especially amidst the global economic downturn, we are accelerating to launch new promotion, measures and services in order to restore investors’ confidence and to boost investment. This first-ever partnership between THAI and BOI is a new milestone of our pride in bringing the investors to new heights.” Dr. Olarn said.
According to Mrs. Atchaka Sibunruang Brimble, BOI Secretary General, the first group of investors recently nominated by the BOI to benefit on this programme consist of Honorary Investment Advisors (HIA) including presidents and top executives from Dow Chemical, Western Digital, Huawei Technologies, Haier Group, Fujikura Management of Thailand, Nambu Cyl (Thailand), for instance.
Top executives from large investment projects (total investment value of over Bt5 billion) promoted by the BOI are also nominated to benefit on this programme—many of them are from the eco-car projects, including, Toyota Motor Thailand Co., Ltd., Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Mitsubishi Motors(Thailand) Co., Ltd., Siam Nissan Automobile Co., Ltd, Suzuki Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., Ltd. and TATA Motors (Thailand) Limited, for instance.
Mr. Pandit Chanapai, THAI’s Executive Vice President, Commercial Department expressed pleasure to support the BOI which is a key organization in driving the country’s economy.
“We consider this partnership very significant in enhancing the country’s image and reputation, particularly in promoting Thailand as a top investment destination. Investors will benefit privileges in holding Royal Orchid Plus Gold card with products and service of THAI and Star Alliance, our Star Alliance’s networks covering more than 975 destinations in 162 countries. Investors will be entitled top priority reservation, check-in and boarding. Investors will be able to access to all airport lounges displaying the Star Alliance Gold symbol. In addition, THAI is offering an additional 20 kilograms baggage allowance,” said Mr. Pandit.
Apart from earning miles by travel with THAI & Star Alliance, the investors would be able to accumulate their miles from THAI’s global partners around the world for example five-star hotels, car rental, credit card, communications and world’s leading fine jewelry & watch distributors.
According to the BOI Secretary General, in an effort to enhance the country’s attractiveness, especially during Thailand Investment Year 2008-2008, the BOI will strengthen its partnership with different businesses and organizations in order to offer more privileges and special benefits to investors.
Previously, under Thailand Investment Year 2008-2009, the BOI successfully opened the ‘fast track’ express lane for foreign investors to facilitate their speedy entry through immigrations formalities at Suvarnnabhumi Airport. The BOI has also been working closely with the Ministry of Labour and Immigration Bureau to provide better convenience for foreign investors, and facilitate services offered by the One Stop Service for Visas and Work Permits to investors, foreign skilled workers and other designated experts.