The Australia Thailand Business Council (ATBC) operates via Australian and Thai Sections based respectively in Australia and Thailand. The latter section was established in 1987. Its current Chairman is former Thai Ambassador to Australia Mr Sawanit Kongsiri.
The Council has a number of state based Chapters which achieve, together with the national body, the 'Mission' through the following services and activities:
Membership Services
Membership networking and information access through the organisation of relevant events and linkages with other bodies sharing the bilateral focus.
A forum for discussion of bilateral business issues in such areas as, but not exclusively:
tariff and non tariff barriers/market access
financial requirements
partner selection and evaluation
statutory environment
long-term partnerships vs short-term technology transfer
translation services
expatriate entry and exit planning
specific industry trends and opportunities
Representations on behalf of Members to either or both Governments.
Membership database development to include details of Members' activities.
Regular communication with Members.
Public Events
Annual Joint Business Conference of Australian and Thailand sections of the ATBC.
Focussed Missions.
Functions for visiting dignitaries.
Forums, seminars and functions for Members.
External Affiliations
Linkages with other groups within Australia and Thailand with similar interests.
Relationship with Government
Establish with relevant Government representatives and officials a relationship of direct access and mutual resource for the purpose of promoting growth in the bilateral commerce.
Participate in, as appropriate, the pursuit of specific bilateral goals.
Organisation and membership
The ATBC locality based chapter structure was established to better serve the networking, information access and needs of the membership. As a non-profit organisation it is funded by the annual subscriptions received from its membership, sponsorship and any surplus gained on its functions.
Membership of the ATBC comprises a cross section of business interests from the largest corporations to small individual consultancies. Current membership represents a significant proportion of Australian business interests in Thailand. Membership is open to any Australian based organisation, or individual, with an interest in Thailand.
The Council works closely with their respective governments and this collaboration is acknowledged by the governments in their inviting ATBC representation at the Joint Trade Committee talks of officials and Ministerial Economic Commission meetings.
Between general meetings of the ATBC - Australian Section, the ATBC Executive holds regular meetings and is responsible for the conduct of the Council's affairs. The Executive Committee comprises the Chairperson of each Chapter as Vice Presidents, and a President, Treasurer and Committee of up to ten persons elected at the Annual General Meeting.
The Council is serviced by the International Division of the Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (ACCI) in Australia and the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) in Thailand.
AUSTRALIA THAILAND BUSINESS COUNCIL
NATIONAL EXECUTIVE MEMBERS 2009
PATRON
HE Mr Bandhit Sotipalalit
Ambassador of Thailand to Australia
