Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation Donation Ceremony

On behalf of Baker McKenzie Thailand, Say Sujintaya, Partner; Business Development Chair and Waranon Vanichprapa, Partner; CSR Chair presented a cheque for USD 1,100 (THB 35,000) to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kris Chatamra, Founder, Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation and the Pink Park Village.

The Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation supports underprivileged women during their treatment for breast cancer and is aligned with Chulalongkorn Hospital, Bangkok. The Pink Park Village, Thailand's first non-profit holistic centre for underprivileged, terminally ill women suffering from stage-4 breast cancer, is due to open mid-2019.

Speaking at the donation ceremony held at the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation, Sujintaya commented, "The Bangkok office chose Dr Kris Chatamra's projects because we believe the Firm has the opportunity to partake in a long-term project that makes a real impact on Thai society." Vanichprapa further added, "The Bangkok office is making real progress in its CSR activities and we will continue to support the fantastic work done by the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer and the Pink Park Village."

For further information about the Queen Sirikit Centre for Breast Cancer Foundation and its projects, including the Pink Park Village, please visit their website.

Tractus Asia’s Executive Director Presents “Thailand – State of the Kingdom 2019: Politics, Economics and the State of Manufacturing” to the Manufacturing Focus Group

Pattaya, Thailand 22 February 2019 – Tractus Asia Limited’s Executive Director Dennis Meseroll presented Tractus’ perspective on Thailand’s economy, politics and the state of business at the Manufacturing Focus Group’s (MFG) monthly meeting. The MFG is an association of manufacturing industry-linked companies based in Thailand’s Eastern Seaboard. It recently changed its name from the Automotive Focus Group to MFG to better represent the diverse base of manufacturing companies in the Eastern Seaboard Region.

Since 2014, Tractus has been providing members of the MFG with an annual outlook on politics, economics and business in Thailand and its impact on the manufacturing industry. Last year Mr. Meseroll noted how political stability in recent years has allowed Thailand to regain its reputation as a low-risk investment destination. During his 2019 presentation he shed some light on the upcoming March 24 election in Thailand and gave Tractus’ update on the state of manufacturing and of the economy.

The 24 March 2019 election culminates Thailand’s long-awaited return to democracy. Mr. Meseroll noted that in addition to the usual suspect political parties that have been positioning themselves for more than a year, there are over 15 others that are either aligned with the major parties or independent. These independent parties would play a significant role in the formation of a coalition government should no one party emerge with the plurality of votes needed to form a new government.

The current constitution’s provisions provide disproportionate power to the 250 military appointed Senators who are likely to unanimously support the military aligned Palang Pracharat party. That party would only need 126 candidates to win to secure enough votes to appoint the prime minister. However, Mr. Meseroll highlighted that enough independent parties exist to allow Pheua Thai to form a coalition should less than 126 Palang Pracharat candidates or their own affiliated parties be elected. While it appears that the military-aligned Palang Pracharat party has the advantage, Mr. Meseroll reminded the audience of how hard it is to predict the outcome of Thai politics and that in Thailand nothing is ever as it appears. One should always expect some surprises.

In 2018, services, manufacturing and agricultural industries expanded. The services industry grew at a 3.7% rate compared to 15% in the previous year. The major reason was the decline in revenue from tourism in 2018 as the number of Chinese tourists declined. The agriculture industry grew at a rate of 4.3% in contrast to the previous year as commodity prices strengthened. Manufacturing grew at a rate of 1.6%, which was only about half of 2017.

Mr. Meseroll pointed out that over the last almost all other ASEAN countries have received more FDI than did Thailand. However, Mr. Meseroll expects that there will be an uptick in FDI in 2019, particularly in higher value-added manufactured goods like automotive, electronics and others, because of the U.S.-China Trade War, which will require more value to be added to qualify as originating in Thailand. This expectation was confirmed by a lot of the participants in the audience who confirmed that they have received more requests for proposals and quotations than usual since the U.S.-China trade row began in early 2018.

Thailand’s manufacturing industry remains globally competitive for higher value manufactured goods. Thailand ranks among the top 20 countries in the world with the highest manufacturing output as a percentage of GDP, similar to countries like Taiwan and China. Additionally, Mr. Meseroll shared some success stories about recent growth and investments in manufacturing in Thailand in the rubber products, electrics and electronics, aerospace and maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), and auto parts sectors.

Tractus Asia Limited (www.tractus-asia.com) is an Asia-based foreign direct investment strategy and execution advisory firm with offices in Shanghai, China; Chennai, India; Jakarta, Indonesia; Yangon, Myanmar; Singapore; Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Tractus advises and assists corporations develop effective market entry strategies and assists them throughout the execution process, including site selection, real estate transactions and investment incentives negotiations to corporate establishment and start-up management. For global economic development organizations, Tractus provides export promotion and investment attraction representation services throughout Asia.

Competition Rises In Bangkok’s Retail Property Market

Bangkok, 18 March 2019 – Competition is increasing in Bangkok’s retail property sector with bricks vs. clicks as e-commerce grows and bricks vs. bricks as developers build new malls, according to CBRE, a leading international property consultant.

All over the world, e-commerce is challenging traditional retail stores and Thailand is no exception.  Currently, e-commerce only forms a small percentage of total retail sales in Thailand, but CBRE expects that this will grow rapidly.  In the UK, 18% of retail sales are now online rather than buying from traditional stores.

Globally, retail tenants are having to pursue an omni-channel approach with both online e-commerce sales and offline traditional sales in stores.  In many cases, this has led to a rationalization of their retail portfolio and a reduction in the number of stores.

In Bangkok, the threat to retail landlords is not just from the rise of e-commerce, but also from the increase in supply.

Based on the latest survey by CBRE Research, there is over 600,000 square metres of space under construction due for completion by 2023 mainly in large-scale shopping malls like EmSphere, Bangkok Mall and One Bangkok.  There are also new malls being planned where construction will start soon such as the redevelopment of the Dusit Thani Hotel.

Competition is going to be fierce and retail landlords are going to have to adapt to the new environment to survive and this, according to CBRE Research, will mean big changes in their business model.

Historically, landlords have leased out space on three-year leases at monthly rents.  Landlords have set rents based on the tenant’s ability to pay driven by business type, size of shop, which floor in the building and which location on the floor.  Landlords have tried to extract as much rent as the tenant can afford to pay with the tenant bearing the obligation of a fixed amount of rent and assuming much of the business risk.

Now the business model is changing with tenants wanting the landlord to share more of the risk by basing the rent on a percentage of the tenant’s revenue, known in Thailand as a Gross Profit (GP) rent.

The landlord along with the tenant will benefit if business is good, but suffer if business is bad, with the landlord not only taking a risk on the ability of the mall to attract customers but also on the success of tenant’s business.

Landlords are also now expected not just rent space but to be data providers and analysts.

Tenants now want landlords to collect, analyse and share data on how many people come to the mall, how often and what they are spending their money on along with many other details.

Tenants are going to be increasingly demanding about the quantity and quality of information that they get from the landlord so they can best match their products and services to the mall’s customers.

In the era, e-commerce landlords have to give people a reason to visit their mall and not just to buy online.

Increasing the volume of food outlets providing “retailtainment” is one option but restaurants cannot pay the same rents as luxury brand retailers.

Ms. Jariya Thumtrongkitkul, Head of Advisory and Transaction – Retail, CBRE Thailand, “Creating limited time opportunities through pop-up stores or events is another emerging trend giving people a reason to get up and go to a mall because they will not be able to get the product or have the experience elsewhere or at another time”.

“The revolution in retailing with coming of e-commerce and competition from new supply means that landlords will have to be a lot more sophisticated in what they provide both in terms of mall format and data”.

This is what makes retail development one of the most complicated property sectors, much harder and more demanding than offices.

There will be winners and losers in this new retail environment and there is not much middle ground, there are malls that will be successful and those that will be failures and not much in between.

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Storrington PR Visit Lancaster Bangkok

Lancaster Bangkok, 13 March 2019 - Four members of the British media visit Bangkok to experience the city as “travelers not tourists”. Top London PR firm Storrington PR invited Lancaster Bangkok to host the familiarisation trip from 13^th – 16^th March, to showcase the Hotel and its fantastic location as a base to tour the city.

Whilst at Lancaster Bangkok, the journalists enjoyed Viva Jiva spa treatments, a gourmet dinner courtesy of Director of Culinary Michele Bravo, cocktail mixology and Thai cooking classes. Outside of the hotel the group was taken on a concierge tour of the old city and to some of Bangkok’s lesser know curiosities, and to a local night market to sample authentic Thai cuisine and haggle for souvenirs. Lancaster Bangkok’s mission is to deliver authentic Thai memories; General Manager Martin Hurley said “I’m always proud to show our visitors both the hotel and our fantastic city. Bangkok has so much to offer, it’s a city that never fails to surprise and delight with a mixture of history and modernity on every street – no matter how many times you visit it’s a place you could never tire of”.

For more information, please call Tel. +66 (0) 262 8000, info@lancasterbangkok.com, www.lancasterbangkok.com or become a fan at www.facebook.com/lancasterbangkok

Best Western® Hotels & Resorts Brings Modern Midscale Hospitality to Downtown Angeles City in the Philippines

(Bangkok – March 15, 2019) Best Western Hotels & Resorts has celebrated the opening of its latest hotel in the Philippines: Best Western Hotel Metro Clark in downtown Angeles City.

This impressive new-build hotel welcomed its first guests on March 15, 2019, introducing a new era of international midscale hospitality to this popular destination. Integrated into the Saver’s Mall and surrounded by major attractions, including the PAGCOR casino, Best Western Hotel Metro Clark is perfectly suited to all

Guests are welcomed with a large and inviting lobby, featuring lounge seating and direct access to the mall. This sense of space and connectivity continues throughout the 85 guest rooms and suites. The rooms blend contemporary comfort with cutting-edge facilities, including glass-enclosed bathrooms with refreshing rain showers, large TVs with international channels, working desks with integrated power outlets, and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Guests can cool off in the dramatic outdoor infinity pool, which overlooks the city, or workout in the fitness center. The hotel’s bright restaurant features large floor-to-ceiling windows and serves daily breakfast and an all-day à la carte menu, including local, Asian and international dishes. Business services are also available.

Best Western Hotel Metro Clark was developed by J.A.D. Saver’s Development Company, Inc., a leading Filipino real estate group.

“Angeles City is an exciting destination that is attracting a growing number of domestic and international travelers,” said Olivier Berrivin, Best Western’s Managing Director of International Operations - Asia. “Best Western Hotel Metro Clark will cater for this rising demand by providing world-class midscale accommodation and superb facilities in a perfect downtown location, directly adjoining the Saver's Mall on the main MacArthur Highway.”

“As a Special Economic Zone, the entire Clark Freeport area is experiencing a development boom, with exciting theme parks, shopping malls and attractions designed to suit all ages. This status is also attracting significant business investment. Best Western’s modern midscale concept and warm Filipino service will ensure all guests stay in comfort and style, at a very reasonable price point,” Olivier added.

With Clark International Airport less than 10km away, Angeles City is now directly connected to many of the world’s most dynamic cities, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Seoul, Shanghai, Taipei and even Dubai. Manila is also less than two hours’ drive from the hotel.

Visitors to Angeles City have many world-class family attractions to choose from, such as Aqua Planet, Zoocobia and Dinosaurs Island, which features a 7-D “Super Screen” cinema. Shoppers also have a wealth of retail opportunities including the Saver's Mall, SM City Clark and a series of duty-free centers, while golfers can tee-off on a choice of world-class courses, including the 36-hole Mimosa Golf & Country Club and spectacular Clark Sun Valley Country Club. Clark International Speedway offers adrenaline-fueled fun, while more relaxing activities can be enjoyed at the area’s spas and hot springs.

Best Western is already one of the leading international hotel groups in the Philippines, with hotels operating in a variety of vibrant business and leisure destinations, including Manila, Cebu City, Puerto Princesa, Subic Bay and San Fernando.

CBRE Leads Asia Pacific Commercial Property Investment Activity In 2018

CBRE Leads Global Rankings for Eighth Consecutive Year

Bangkok, 13 March 2019 – CBRE is the top-ranked firm for commercial real estate investment activity in Asia Pacific. This result complements CBRE’s leading ranking globally for the eighth consecutive year, according to Real Capital Analytics (RCA).

In Asia Pacific, RCA credited CBRE with a market share of 23.3% across all property types, representing 190 bps (basis point) advantage over the its nearest competitor. Internationally, RCA credited CBRE with 22.2% of market share* across all property types on a global basis in 2018—a 800 bps lead over the nearest competitor.

CBRE secured the top spot in RCA’s Asia Pacific rankings, which are based on seller representation activity, across many major institutional property types, including industrial, apartment, development and seniors housing investment sales.

“Across Asia Pacific, our commitment to our clients, our deep relationships with the market, both globally and regionally, and our team of world-class professionals, ensures CBRE’s ability to deliver and execute transactions consistently and swiftly. With leadership in Asia Pacific and globally, we connect clients with insight, capital and opportunity across the globe,” said Rob Blain, Executive Chairman, Capital Markets, Asia Pacific, CBRE.

Highlights from RCA’s 2018 global rankings include:

• CBRE secured $22.76 billion (THB 721.49 billion) in Asia Pacific in total transactions in the region, leading the region with a market share of 23.3%.
• CBRE executed $51.54 billion (THB 1.63 trillion) in global office sales as seller representative, for an industry-leading market share of 19.8% in 2018.
• CBRE was again the top global firm in logistics and industrial sales, with $26.30 billion (THB 833.71 billion) in transactions for a market share of 32.3%; the firm led the Asia Pacific region with $4.18 billion (THB 132.51 billion) in transactions for a market share of 39.2%.
• CBRE claimed the top global position in retail sales, with $16.94 billion (THB 537 billion) in transactions, for a market share of 21.1%.
• CBRE executed $35.18 billion (THB 1.12 trillion) in global apartment sales for a market leading share of 23.5%

“Our strength lies in our ability to understand and advise on a transaction from all angles. Clients across Asia Pacific continue to see working with CBRE as a competitive advantage, which translates into deeper relationships and measurable outcomes in this diverse and maturing region,” says Tom Moffat, Executive Managing Director, Head of Capital Markets, Asia, CBRE.

“The results are testament to the great work undertaken by our Capital Markets teams across the region and our client-centric approach to delivering exceptional transaction outcomes,” says Mark Coster, Senior Managing Director, Victoria & Senior Managing Director, Capital Markets, Pacific.

* Market share has been calculated based on the dollar volume of transactions where CBRE represented the seller, divided by the total volume of seller-brokered transactions.

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Get Ready: The First Thailand Personal Data Protection Act Has Been Passed

After numerous attempts over almost two decades (please see our series of client alerts below), the Thailand Personal Data Protection Act was finally approved and endorsed by the National Legislative Assembly on 28 February 2019 ("PDPA"). The PDPA will be submitted for royal endorsement and subsequent publication in the Government Gazette.

This PDPA will change the landscape of personal data protection in Thailand. While the Thai Constitution upholds the right to privacy, Thailand did not have any consolidated law governing data protection in general before. There are only specific laws in certain business sectors, such as telecommunications, healthcare, banking, and credit bureau. The PDPA will become the very first consolidated law generally governing data protection in Thailand.

There are several key points under the PDPA that businesses should be aware of, namely extraterritorial applicability, data subject notification requirements, consent requirements, consent of minors, restrictions and exemptions for the collection, use, disclosure, and cross-border transfer of personal data, explicit consent requirements for sensitive data and exemptions related thereto, data subjects' rights, security measures, data breach and its notification, records of processing activities, representatives of controllers or processors who are not established in Thailand, data protection officers (DPO), exemptions from cross-border transfer requirements for transfers within the same business group, prescribed criminal and administrative penalties, and actual and punitive damages for civil liability.

Although the PDPA has drawn various concepts from the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the PDPA also reflects concepts developed from Thai perspectives. Compliance with the GDPR does not necessarily mean compliance with the PDPA. Therefore, careful examination is crucial in order for companies to fully comply with the PDPA and GDPR.

While the final version of the PDPA has not yet been published in the Government Gazette (as of the date of this client alert), it is expected to be officially announced soon. After publication on the Government Gazette, business entities will have a transition period to prepare for compliance with the PDPA. As the PDPA will apply to most entities both onshore and offshore (with limited exemptions), we urge all entities to start reviewing their personal data related activities (e.g. customer data, supplier data, employee data, billing and payment documents), conducting data classification, data mapping, preparing personal data related documents, and other necessary steps for full compliance with the PDPA once it comes into effect.

Our Previous Client Alerts on Data Protection
 

Date	Title
September 2018	New draft Personal Data Protection Bill issued for public hearing - Substantial changes following GDPR
April 2018	New Draft Thai Personal Data Protection Bill - Extraterritorial Applicability Introduced
January 2018	Update: Public Hearing on the Thai Personal Data Protection Bill, including New Provisions
July 2015	Latest Developments on the Personal Data Protection Bill in Thailand
January 2015	Draft Laws under the Digital Economy Initiative

For more information, please contact our team at Baker McKenzie

BHMA Appoints Industry Expert

New Chief Development Officer has proven track record in the hospitality industry having held senior management positions across Asia Pacific, UAE, Africa and Europe.

Bangkok, March 11, 2019 – BHMA Hotels and Resorts, an international hotel management company wholly owned by the ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG), is pleased to announce the arrival of Jens Reichert as the company’s first Chief Development Officer. An industry veteran with more than 30 years service, Jens brings the necessary managerial skills to drive the substantial growth BHMA is currently enjoying.

As the company’s Chief Development Officer, Jens will be tasked with setting up a focused business development team with the ultimate goal of growing the company’s portfolio according to BHMA’s global expansion plans. BHMA’s trinity of brands – X2, X2 Vibe and Away Resorts – have become household names across the Asia-Pacific region thanks to scalable and sustained growth in tourism markets from Thailand to Australia, but the company continues to seek out new markets.

“We are pleased to welcome Jens to the BHMA family and I am sure his expertise will help maintain our momentum across the markets where we currently operate and in new markets internationally. An experienced deal closer, Jens brings a wealth of experience having worked in the luxury hospitality where he established an international network with design houses, developers and consultants. As we continue to bring new properties online, Jens and his team will ensure that our property channel continues to grow,” said Peter Lucas, CEO, BHMA Hotels and Resorts.

Having spent the last decade focusing on hotel development domestic and internationally Jens is fully up to speed on the fast-paced hospitality industry. Over the past few years, Jens has been instrumental in signing more than 50 hotel contracts and possesses extensive knowledge of contract negotiations in various jurisdictions. A solution-orientated executive, Jens track record at the forefront of business will be of great importance to BHMA’s global expansion goals.

“I am thrilled to be joining BHMA Hotels and Resorts and I look forward to working in a dynamic environment where my skills can contribute to the company’s expansion plans. I have kept an eye on the developments of BHMA’s distinct and aspirational brands X2, X2 Vibe and Away Resorts. I’m passionate about giving my utmost for the success and enjoyment of our guests, hotel owners and partners,” said Jens Reichert, Chief Development Officer, BHMA Hotels and Resorts.

Jens will commence work on 11th March 2019 with a multi-cultural business development team.

Mr. Jens O. Reichert, Chief Development Officer, BHMA Hotels and Resorts.

About BHMA

BHMA is an international hotel management company wholly owned by the ASX listed Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). FCTG is one of the world’s largest and progressive travel companies, incorporating diverse worldwide distribution, in destination travel experiences such as transport and touring as well as hotel management solutions. BHMA is a part of FCTG’s Global Hotel Network providing management for hotels, resorts, villas, serviced apartments and branded residences. BHMA also delivers owner services all the way from the very early sourcing & planning stages of a development, through technical services during build, to pre-opening services and finally professional ongoing hotel management. Visit www.BHMAhotels.com for more information.

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Cannabis is now legal in Thailand for medical use and research

What do investors need to know about it?

By Florian Maier, Managing Director and Phi Ploenbannakit, Director - Antares Advisory, part of Antares Group

The latest amendment to the Narcotics Act, effective as of 18 February 2019, allows only the distribution and possession of cannabis for study and medical purposes and in limited quantities. The use or possession of cannabis for purposes other than the ones mentioned above is still prohibited and is punishable by imprisonment and/or fine.

Since, at this moment, a comprehensive list with all the specific requirements is not yet available, we have summarized below only a few considerations that those who are planning to invest in the production, distribution, and possession of cannabis in Thailand should be aware of.

1.    Who are the responsible authorities and for which type of license?

Under this amendment, a Narcotics Control Committee was established to specifically consider the agenda with regards to cannabis. This Committee comprises:

(i)            The Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives
(ii)          The Director-General to the Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine
(iii)         The Director-General to the Department of Industrial Works
(iv)         The Director-General to the Department of Health Service Support
(v)          The Director-General to the Department of Mental Health
(vi)         The President of the Medical Council
(vii)        The President of the Thai Traditional Medical Council
(viii)      The President of the Pharmacy Council

The Committee of major heads from associated ministries of agriculture, industry, and public health may vote and advise the Minister of Public Health as to granting permission for the production, distribution, import & export, or possession of cannabis. The Committee’s power is extended to advise the Minister in enacting subordinate laws or ministerial regulations that cover licensing procedures and the scope of permitted activities.  The scope is restricted to agricultural, commercial, scientific, or industrial activities for the purposes of medical treatment, research & development, or national security.

As such, there is a two-layer approval granted first by the Committee and then by the Minister. According to the amendment, the Minister has a period of 2 years, as of the effective date of the amendment, to enact subordinate laws. Any failure to act within a specific period and when a reasonable cause exists may be reported to the cabinet. Technically, the flexible timeframe could delay the initiation of license application procedures on the government’s side.

The cultivation, laboratory research, and consumption areas will require an ONCB resolution. However, the approved resolution is not a mandatory requirement, which means that the ONCB may remain as is, without any time pressure, even though the amendment has become effective. In addition, the approval resolution must be respectively adopted by the Committee and the Minster before becoming effective.

2.    Who is eligible to apply for a license and what are the qualifications of the applicants?

According to the amendment, the production, import, export, distribution, and possession of cannabis will be strictly regulated and will require a government license from the Narcotics Control Committee and the Minister. A government body, academic institution, medical professional, pharmacist, dentist, veterinarian, Thai traditional medical professional, applied Thai traditional medical professional, or licensed folk medical practitioner is eligible to apply for a license.

The local farming community enterprise, social enterprise, or cooperative that is under collaboration with and supervision of a permitted government body or academic institution will also be eligible to apply for a license to develop and produce traditional or herbal formulas for medical purposes.    

An individual applicant is also eligible to apply for a license if he is a Thai national residing in Thailand. If the applicant is a legal entity, it must be established under Thai law and 2/3^rd of the total number of directors and shareholders must be Thai nationals. In addition, the entity’s office must be located in Thailand.

The international carrier of passengers whose vehicle is registered in Thailand can likewise apply for a license to keep a certain quantity of cannabis on board for the purpose of providing first aid or emergency treatments to passengers.

3.    Is there any license exemption?

Patients who possess cannabis for their personal treatment are not required to obtain a license, as long as they have a prescription issued by a licensed physician or dentist.  

The Thai traditional medical professional, the applied Thai traditional medical professional, or the licensed folk medical practitioner, are not required to obtain any license in case the cannabis extract is compounded and dispensed to his specific patient during medical treatment.

4.    Is there any regulatory compliance for a license holder?

The license holder must maintain the facility as prescribed in the ministerial rules, including, but not limited to signboard placement, relocation of any contaminated product, and high security storage. His obligation extends to monthly and annual filings and submission of a possession and disposal report to the ONCB. 

5.    What is the allowed cannabis quantity for possession and distribution?

The maximum quantity for possession is limited to 10 kilograms of pure substance extract for medical consumption and treatment of patients.  Stricter rules will apply for sales. To the best of our understanding, the maximum quantity allowed might be adjusted for production, import, and export on a case-by-case basis.

6.    What is the distribution channel?

The pharmaceutical manufacturer of cannabis extract or medicine cannot make available these products on the shelf. The products can only be distributed directly to the medical practitioner, pharmacist, dentist, or veterinarian and a written product label or medical description must be provided. The regulator may permit other media materials, such as film, motion pictures, voice recordings, or brochures.

Direct sales to patients without a professional intermediary are prohibited. Furthermore, the intermediaries must also register and obtain a license for cannabis possession and distribution.

7.    To what extent the zoning may be granted?

Cultivation, laboratory research, and consumption areas may be arranged for the purposes of medical study, narcotic crime prevention and suppression, and solving the narcotics issue. The latter seems to give green light to cannabis for recreational usage. However, the ONCB is not expected to give approval beyond medical treatment and study. The zoning will probably be imposed within the closed hospital facility or academic institution. There is only a little hope for private laboratories.  

Final Thoughts

Given the above-mentioned restrictions, investors will require close cooperation with government bodies, professional intermediaries, or academic institutions to run businesses backstage. Typically, various forms of scholarship, research and development support will be organized to teach intermediaries how useful their products are and how to properly promote them.

Several subordinate laws and ministerial regulations are being prepared and will be soon announced by the Narcotics Control Committee, the Minister of Public Health, and the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB). These will cover all the specific requirements regarding license application and will regulate all cannabis related activities, such as import, export, distribution, and possession. Any person violating these regulations shall be subject to severe sentences.

We will monitor the development of the subordinate laws and regulations and we will provide you with updates when these will become available.

Caution & Disclaimer

This publication is intended to highlight an overview of key issues for ease of understanding, and not for the provision of legal advice. Please note that this publication might be subject to further amendment without notice.

We highly advise you to read this publication in conjunction with appropriate advice from your legal counsel to determine the legal implications this might have on your business and how to mitigate exposures as much as possible.

If you have any questions about this publication, please visit: www.antaresgroup.com

X2 Adds Vibe to Uptown Bangkok

Bangkok, March 4, 2019 – In the latest development to Bangkok’s standing as the number 1 destination in Southeast Asia, BHMA Hotels & Resorts is thrilled to announce the signing of its latest hotel management agreement for the new X2 Vibe Bangkok Udomsuk Station with Italmar (Thailand) Co., Ltd. This is the second joint-agreement between the two companies following the opening of X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit in 2017.

With an eclectic mix of shopping centers, tasty street food stalls, Thai and Western bars and bric-a-brac markets sitting cheek by jowl, Udomsuk on the eastern fringes of Bangkok is quickly becoming the new marker postcode where travellers can Stay, Chill & Enjoy. X2 Vibe Bangkok Udomsuk Station is located just a few steps from the Udomsuk skytrain station and provides easy access to downtown. Future mass-transit developments for the area also include the Airport Line linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports.

“Bangkok is without doubt the most vibrant city in Southeast Asia and we are over the moon to be opening another property after receiving such overwhelming reviews of our X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit in the trendy On Nut district. This is a big step forward for the company as we continue to execute our development plans. Furthermore, this announcement reaffirms the confidence the owner (Italmar (Thailand) Co., Ltd.) has in our brand and the message we are sending,” said Peter Lucas, CEO, BHMA Hotels & Resorts.

While central Bangkok continues to draw international holidaymakers and business executives, flourishing suburbs such Udomsuk provide a refreshing escape for millennial travellers looking to kick back and relax. With coffee shops, restaurants and bars dotted around the area, Udomsuk is proving to be the newest location to Stay, Chill and Enjoy. Across the Asia-Pacific region, the X2 Vibe brand continues to set the bar as the top choice for people looking for hotels that match their modern lifestyles.

“Our X2 Vibe brand is a totally new hotel design and concept that is redefining the hotel industry. We’ve worked extremely hard to build in multi-usage spaces that can be adapted to what our guests desire. From a working space to a comfy room with functional designs, X2 Vibe Bangkok Udomsuk Station will cater to just about every taste. We’ve chosen Udomsuk as we believe it is Bangkok’s hottest new address with great shopping and dining options and a down-to-earth residential feel. We are confident the new hotel will achieve the same rate and occupancy numbers as our X2 Vibe Bangkok Sukhumvit property,” said Paul Wilson, EVP Commercial, BHMA Hotels & Resorts.

Commenting on the new partnership, Direk Vongvairoj, Chairman, Italmar (Thailand) Co., Ltd., said, “We’ve chosen to partner with BHMA Hotels & Resorts again because we are fully confident that the X2 Vibe brand delivers on design, comfort and flexibility; things our guests are passionate about. X2 Vibe has become the brand for the new generation of travellers who like to get off the beaten track and live close to local communities. I am sure this partnership will be as rewarding as our first project in mid-town Sukhumvit.”

The construction of the X2 Vibe Bangkok Udomsuk Station is now underway and the hotel expects to welcome its first guests in 2021. BHMA Hotels & Resorts continues to expand its portfolio of properties in Thailand and the wider Asia-Pacific region with six new properties scheduled to open in 2019.

BHMA currently operates 23 hotels across three distinct brands – X2, X2 Vibe and Away – in Australia, Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. More detailed information on each hotel and resort can be found at www.BHMAhotels.com.