NOVEMBER 2011 A publication of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

11 / 2011

Dreaming of 'Dryland'
Flood water inundated huge parts of Thailand and even entered Northern outskirts of Bangkok in November 2011, creating a longing for the mystical place called 'Dryland' that still existed in the memory of the old people.
Photo by Disraporn Yatprom

Corporate
Premier Sponsors

Partnership

Executive Sponsors

Calendar

Calendar of events:
2011/2012 TCCC Executives
His Excellency Ambassador Ron Hoffmann President John Casella Vice President Ali Fancy Vice President John Stevens Secretary Dr. Tim Cornwall Treasurer Michael Howard John Casella Sranyoo Chanate Neil Chiu Dr. Tim Cornwall Ali Fancy Michael Howard Ron Livingston Geoff McIntyre Alan Ng Sukanya Rattanavadee John Stevens Derek van Pelt

TCCC

Patron:

WHEN: WHAT: WHERE: PRICE: WHEN: WHAT:

Wednesday, November 16, 2011; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm Canuck Connections Joint Chambers Networking Night Courtyard by Marriott Poolside Party 200 baht for all attendees

Friday, November 18, 2011; 6:30 pm 9:00 pm Eastern Seaboard Networking Night & Pre-Registration for Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament WHERE: Tavern by the Sea, Amari Orchid Hotel- Pattaya PRICE: Free for tournament players; 200 baht Members; 400 baht Non Members & Guests WHEN: WHAT: WHERE: PRICE: WHEN: WHAT: WHERE: PRICE: Saturday, November 19, 2011 2nd Annual Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament Phoenix Golf Course Near Pattaya Ticket price - 3,500 baht Wednesday, December 7, 2010; 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm Canuck Christmas Fest Bistro 33 Restaurant - 22 Sukhumvit Soi 33 Early Bird Price until November 30th - 2,300 baht; Standard Price - 2,500 baht; Kids 12 & Under 600 baht. Come spend a very cool Bangkok evening in Bistro 33s beautiful gardens enjoying an All You Can Eat Christmas buffet with free flowing beer, wine, sparkling wine and house pouring drinks, as well as live music, raffle and door prizes.

Executive Board:

Embassy Representative:
Ping Kitnikone

Raymond Bodemer Sam Cohen Surachit Chanovan Zoltan Kosa Don Lavoie Niccolo Sozzi Picharn Sukparangsee Michael White Peter Van Haren

Advisors:

Upcoming events in the region:

Japan: http://www.cccj.or.jp WHEN: Friday, November 18, 2011; 6:30-19:00 WHAT: 11th Annual CCCJ Golf Tournament WHERE: Tsutsujigaoka CC in Tochigi PRICE: 24,000 Yen - Includes round trip transportation from Tokyo, lunch, post-game reception and the chance to win great prizes

CCBA

Executive Director:
Randy Shockley

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower 9th floor, Bangkok 10500 Tel: +66(0) 2266-6085-6 Fax: +66(0) 2266-6087 Email: tccc@loxinfo.co.th Website: www.tccc.or.th

Hong Kong: www.cancham.org WHEN: Thursday, November 24, 2011; 12:30pm - 2:00pm WHAT: How to Control your Chinese Business from Hong Kong: Best Practices for Dealing with (Legal) Challenges of Managing a Subsidiary or Rep. Office in China WHERE: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, 1301 Kinwick Centre, 32 Hollywood Road, Central PRICE: HK$150 for members and HK$250 for non members Vietnam: WHEN: WHAT: WHERE: PRICE: www.canchamvietnam.org November 24th - 25th, 2011 Best Practices in Branding Legend Hotel Early Bird: USD495 (Registration & Payment before 28 Oct 2011) Regular: USD695 (Registration & Payment after 28 Oct 2011)

The Voyageur is the monthly magazine of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, covering all Thai-Canadian business, legal and social news of interest to the members and others who are active in expanding Thai-Canadian bilateral trade. Editor: Randy Shockley, Executive Director, Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Publisher: Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. 4/41-2 Moo 3, Thanyakarn Village, Ramintra Soi 14, Bangkok 10230 Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166-8 Fax: +66(0) 2943-7169 Design: Disraporn Yatprom Email: disraporn@scandmedia.com Advertising Contact: Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scand-Media Corp., Ltd. Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166 ext.151 or 08-1866-2577 Email: finn@scandmedia.com

THE 2ND ANNUAL BEAVER INVITATIONAL CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENT

Saturday, November 19, 2011 - Phoenix Golf Club, Pattaya

ts time again for another great weekend on the beach and the golf course. Join us for the 2nd Annual Beaver Invitational Charity Golf Tournament on Saturday, November 19, 2011 at Phoenix Golf Course near Pattaya. The Thai Canadian Chamber of Commerce is again joining forces with the Flying Farangs Hockey Club to for support this great charity golf tournament. Fifty percent of net proceeds will be donated to charities supported by the TCCC ( Khun Mechai's Village Development Partnership: http:// www.villagedevelopmentpartnership.org/ vdp.asp) and the Flying Farangs (Thai Fund Foundations community projects: http:// www.tff.or.th).

This event offers an exceptional opportunity to promote your business to over 150 plus high-profile Thai and expatriate golfers and their guests. We greatly appreciate your support of this annual charity fund raising event and look forward to your participation. Also, a networking and pre-registration event will be held on Friday, November 18, 2011 at the Amaris Tavern by the Sea from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Tournament enrollment forms can be obtained from the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Office at tccc@loxinfo.co.th or you may visit the Beaver Invitational website at www.beaverinvitational.com November 2011

Chamber News

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce Maple Leaf 50th Anniversary Friendship Ball

Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok Saturday, October 8, 2010
gainst the backdrop of Thailands endless 2011 monsoon rains and initial flooding, the TCCC was very fortunate to have been blessed with a great attendee turnout and a dry night for this years festivities. In total, 270 guests attended this years Maple Leaf Ball and Silent Auction. As highlighted by Ambassador Ron Hoffmann, 2011 marks an exciting and forward looking time in the Canada -Thailand relationship. After 50 years of official diplomatic relations, our countries are able to celebrate tremendous good will and friendship and the success of this years ball certainly validated these close ties. For 2011, the Maple Leaf Ball was again held at a TCCC member company venue, that being the Four Season Hotel Bangkok. When a hotel is named the No.1 Hotel in Asia by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler and the No. 1 City Centre Hotel by Business Traveller, Asian Wall Street Journal, and Travel & Leisure magazine, you are pretty well assured your guests are going to have a great time and they did! The TCCC thanks the Four Season staff for their excellent support in helping to deliver this critical annual fund raising event. Upon arrival at the ball, all guests were promptly registered by the TCCC staff and served champagne, coffee martinis, wine and mixed drinks as they wondered through a beautifully prepared silent auction. The 2011 auction offered a wide array of gifts including diamonds, jewelry, luxury hotel stays, vacation packages, dining vouchers, medical exams, oriental rugs and much more. Several noteworthy auction entries were the Canadian Ice Diamond pieces designed and manufactured by the chambers newest member company, JSN Jewellery Inc. of Toronto. See this months New Member Profile story to learn more about JSN Jewellery. We also wish to thank Khun Sukanya Rattanavadee for creating the auctions floral arrangements and Daniele & Don Lavoie for their expert help in setting-up the silent auction displays. The success of the silent auction is always in great hands with these key chamber supporters. After enjoying an hour of cocktails and champagne in the silent auction area, the guests were directed to ballroom where the events MC, Mr. Derek van Pelt introduced the Chambers President, Mr. John Casella and The Ambassador of Canada, H. E. Mr. Ron Hoffmann, who both delivered brief opening

remarks just prior to the playing of the Royal Thai and Canadian national anthems. We thank Derek van Pelt, Managing Director of Siam Wheels for serving as this years Master of Ceremony. He certainly looked right at home in his pilgrim costume while leading the evenings numerous activities. Along with several bottles of great Canadian wine, the evenings Thanksgiving dinner menu included Yam Som O - pomelo salad with crispy garlic and shallots, pumpkin cream soup with curry, toasted almonds, dice roasted pumpkin topped with whipping cream, traditional roasted whole turkey served with stuffing, cranberry sauce, braised red cabbage, mashed potatoes, steamed green beans and giblet gravy. For dessert, guests were treated to traditional pumpkin pie with whipped cream, fruit cake with vanilla sauce, milk chocolate & pecan cheese cake, brown butter creamy apple pie, rhubarb-pineapple custard pie, pistachio brownies and traditional pear & cranberry cobbler served with vanilla sauce and roasted almonds. Clearly, the Four Seasons servedup one of Bangkoks best meals of the year. For 2011, we also thank Bistro 33 for its support in handling wine sales, as well as serving-up an endless supply of Bloody Caesar and shots through the evening. Given that balls guests consumed 23 liters of Clamato juice in just less than 2.5 hours, I would say they really appreciated Bazs Bloody Caesars. Another key contributor to the 2011 Maple Leaf Ball was Canadas Moosehead Breweries and Kobi Group Inc, run by Toronto businessman Mr. Kawal Kohli. When Kawal and Moosehead Breweries partnered to donate the Moosehead beer supply to this

years ball, they certainly made many new friends in Thailand. We thank Moosehead and Kawal for this wonderful Thanksgiving gift! The evening was also accentuated with numerous activities including a trivia game, traditional shot bar, raffle draw, and dancing, as well as a great lucky draw that offered a Grand Prize of two round-trip tickets from Hong Kong to Vancouver via Air Canada. Khun Sukanya Rattanavadee, TCCC Director and General Manager of Thai Phum Skylights (GSA for Air Canada) presented the Grand Prize to the lucky winner, Mr. Karnon Chartisathian of Deloittes Bangkok office. The band selection is always an agonizing challenge for such events, but thanks to the assistance of TCCC Vice President, Mr. Ali Fancy, we once again delivered live dance music that kept the dance froor packed all night. We also wish to recognize Q-Bar for loaning us DJ Octo who helped support this years entertainment schedule. However, the real hit for eighty of the ball's attendees was the After Party held by Q Bar at their new 2nd floor patio bar. Who said they were all dressed up with no where to go? From midnight on, Q Bar was definitely the place to be. The success of a major chamber event like the Maple Leaf Ball is only possible with support of the Chambers members, friends and steadfast sponsors. In closing, we wish to thank the sponsors: (see pae 5 and 6)

Canadian Ice Diamonds were included in this years Silent Auction thanks to Utopia Jewellrys contribution.

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Chamber News

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4 5

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1. H.E. Ron Hoffmann, Ambassador of Canada providing opening remarks at this years ball. 2. The Boss Band kept the dance floor packed all night. 3. The Howards dancing the night away. 4. This years Silent Auction was a big hit. 5. John Casella, TCCC President, welcoming everyone to the 2011 Maple Leaf Ball. 6. Past TCCC President, Khun Sirithorn Rutnin (standing. 3rd from right) enjoyed a great evening with family and friends 7. Past TCCC Presidents Sam Cohen & Sean Brady with their spouses. 8. Bangkoks Hair Club for Men 9. Ambassador of Hungry H.E. Denes Tomaj and his wife Ildiko.

Maple Leaf 50th Anniversary Friendship Ball Sponsors:

Gold Sponsors:

Silver Sponsors:

November 2011

1 3

A big Thank You to all of our Maple Leaf 50th Anniversary Friendship Ball Sponsors:

2 4

Gold Sponsors:

Air Canada The Early Learn Centre Family of Schools International School of Bangkok (IBS) Levco Holdings Quality Control Services Moosehead

Silver Sponsors:
1. The BNH hospital team having a great time. 2. 2011 Maple Leaf Ball Raffle Prizes. 3. (L-R) Khun Apple, Khun Fern and Khun Apple did an excellent job in helping to ensure the balls many events ran smoothly. 4. Don & Daniele Lavoie Always major supporters of the Maple Leaf Ball. 5. Maple Leaf Balls MC, Derek van Pelt presenting the trivia prize of one case of Cracked Canoe beer. 6. Khun Sukanya Rattanavadee, General Manager of Thai Phum Skylights Co. Ltd (GSA for Air Canada) presents the balls lucky draw Grand Prize of two free round trip tickets ro Canada. This years lucky winner was Khun Karnon Chartisathian, the Business Development Manager for the local Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu office. 7. One hunger Pilgrim! 8. (L-R) Dr, Runjirat Vongthongsri, Sumon Cohen and Olivia Knecht with Ambassador Ron Hoffmann 9. Simon Neville taking time to kick back on this night. 10. The girls having a great night out! 11. Mr. & Mrs. Derek van Pelt appropriately attired for the evening.

Bangkok Hospital BNH Hospital Deloitte Manulife Insurance PTTEP SNC-Lavalin International Thanachart Bank

Gift & Price Donors:

6 9 8 10

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Amari Orchid Pattaya Arlani Design Group Bangkok Marriott Resort & Spa Bangkok Golf Club Bei Otto BNH Hospital Bumrungrad Hospital Canadian Ice Diamond Cathay Pacific Airways Limited Chesa Swiss cuisine Crepes & Co. Courtyard by Marriott Bangkok Dusit Thani Bangkok Face Bangkok Restaurant Foodland Supermarket Co.,Ltd. Four Seasons Resorts Chiang Mai Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui Fraser Suites Urbana Sathorn Bangkok Grand Millennium Sukhumvit Genesis Skin Klinik Grand Hyatt Erawan Bangkok Holiday Inn Silom, Bangkok JW Marriott Khao Lak Kuppa Tea & Coffee Trader Co.,Ltd. Loy Nava Dinner Cruises Lyon French Cuisine Neil's Tavern Restaurant & Bake Shoppe NHD Leather Dog Collar Paragon Cineplex & Krungsri Imax Piyavate Hospital Rabbit Resort Pattaya Rajas Fashions Rajawongse Clothier Research In Motion (RIM) Royal bank of Canada Savvy Jewelry Shahbaz Carpets Trading Co., Ltd. Shangri-La hotel Bangkok Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Siam Wheels Smiling Albino Ltd. T&D Crystal Design Utopia Jewellery Ltd.

November 2011

Member Profile

JSNs remarkable growth

JSN Jewellery Inc. was founded in Toronto in 1985 by Joseph Shilon shortly after he emigrated from Israel. A diamond cutter by trade, his dream to provide a great product at affordable pricing has become a reality and his passion in this pursuit has not waived. Joseph and his family left Georgia at a young age and entered into the jewellery trade when he was 15, as a diamond cutter in Israel, immigrating to Canada when he was 22.

fter solidifying his place as one of Canada's leading manufacturers, Mr. Shilons ambition drove him to international expansion in 1995. JSN has grown to the highest levels and is currently distributed in over 20 countries around the world. The Bangkok plant opened in 1996 making JSN one of the first Canadian manufacturers to produce offshore, pioneering a path that has been adapted by others years later. The corporate Head Office is in Toronto. The USA, Thailand and UK offices provide sales and marketing support to all the companys international customers. JSNs recent expansion into Asia has lead to opening sales offices in Bangkok and Mumbai to help push sales to multi- millions. The customer base resembles a "who's who" list of the worlds leading jewellery retailers. Having the top multiples in all markets and hundreds of "A" list independent retailers leaves JSN with a healthy market balance and a rsum of which it is quite proud. The Bangkok plant provides the strength to support all JSNs markets. Far East pricing and capacity merges with Western customer service and marketing strategies. This East/

West philosophy gives JSN a distinct advantage over its competition in today's market, placing the company at the leading edge of its industry. JSN is able to supply customers with a variety of categories ranging from entry level diamond and gem stone products to a fully-certified collection for the top end of the market; casting in 9kt, 10kt, 14kt, 18kt and Platinum. It is one of the very few companies able to produce completely in-house diamond set electroforming jewellery from start to finish. It has developed its own brand and does private labelling for prominent jewellery houses in Europe as well. To complete the JSN portfolio it became a Canadian diamond site holder, partnering with Harry Winston Diamond Corporation, who owns 40% of the Diavik mine. This allows JSN to control the diamonds from rough to finish cut stones, which will be finished as regular brilliant to fancy specialty. JSN manufactures its own brand, Canadian Ice Diamonds, as well as private labels for major retailers. The opening of its diamond cutting facility 18 months ago in Chiang Mai, gives it over 1,000 Thai workers.

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Member Profile

The company expects that this will meet the production needed as it expands its range into all of its established markets.

Canadian Ice - The Coolest Diamonds on Earth

Originating from the Diavik mine in the Northwest Territories, and mined through the Harry Winston Diamond Corporation, Canadian diamonds are world renowned for their exclusive colour and clarity. These diamonds are cut and polished in a state-of-the-art facility in the storied diamond cutting city of Chiang Mai. Each diamond is individually certified and engraved with its own CID identification number to verify its Canadian origin. An international team of designers (led by Annalisa Cervi) has created a unique collection of stunning ring and jewellery with easily identifiable sophistication and freshness. Each piece is produced at the technologically advanced manufacturing facility in Bangkok. With over two decades of experience in servicing leading jewellery retailers around the world, the company is able to cater to each clients unique needs with personal attention

Mr. Joseph Shilon, CEO & Founder of JSN Jewellery and the Canadian Ice Diamond brand with H.E. Ron Hoffmann, Ambassador of Canada performing a ribbon cutting ceremony at the companys Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair exhibit. Continued on page 12 November 2011

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Member Profile
and flexibility. The JSN road team recently hit Bangkok in full force to attend the Bangkok Gems and Jewelry Fair to display Canadian Ice Diamonds. On hand were CEO Joseph Shilon; Director of Sales & Marketing Steve Reale; Director of the Design Team Annalisa Cervi; Sales Manager of Utopia Jewelry Mona Chi, and Avi Sahar Managing Director of Bangkok operations. Ambassador Ron Hoffman cut the ribbon at the companys booth at the Fair to formally open the companys participation in the event. Voyageur had a chance to chat with Steve Reale, who has worked with Joseph for over a decade now, and find out more about this fascinating company. Steve says that Joseph stayed away from the Canadian diamond market until he could become a site holder( direct to source of rough diamonds ) With the downturn of the Canadian economy, many people walked away from sites and companies like Harry Winston were looking for prospective site holders. By then, Joseph had emerged as a force in the business and let it be known that he was willing to open a diamond-cutting facility. The mines were looking for strong young companies to partner with so it was natural that Harry Winston would take an interest in JSN. (Harry Winston as mentioned, owns 40% of the Diavik Mine, the other 60% is owned by Rio Tinto). Joseph had met Bob Gannicott, Harry Winstons CEO, years ago when Canadian diamonds were just emerging and he had also built up a relationship with Jim Pounds, Harry Winstons Executive Vice-President. Steve says that Joseph has been in manufacturing for 25 years now; starting off with a factory in Toronto. He started making trips to Thailand because as it was known as

(L -R) Miss Israel with Israeli TV presenter at the Canadian Ice exhibit a Mecca for gemstones, but when Joseph realized the craftsmanship that was available here he started moving into the diamond business. His love for Thailand saw him open up a facility here (jewellery manufacturing), and Thailands skilled workers have helped him grow his business. When Joseph became a site holder, he was able to open his own diamond-cutting facility, cut and prepare his own diamonds and control his own destiny. As Joseph says, Unless you control your own destiny, the market will shrink on you. Chiang Mai was a haven for apprentice diamond cutters, and although Joseph was told that to be competitive in the he would have to cut diamonds in China and India, hes proven that you can cut diamonds in Thailand and be competitive with anyone, anywhere. As JSN participated in big jewellery fairs around the world like Baselworld it became obvious that the big retailers were looking to make direct contact with the manufacturer and JSN looked more like a wholesale division. So, Joseph set up Utopia and brought in Mona Chi to head the sales division. She comes from the high-end (gem stones). What differentiates Canadian Ice from other Canadian site holders is Josephs experience. It is easy to put a stone in a basic mount, but to create a work of art, you need that manufacturing background. And the companys manufacturing division in Thailand is a main reason for its rapid rise in the market. One of the worlds top jewellers recently visited Thailand to work with Josephs development team. You have to be the best cutters, Steve says, we have 350 in Chiang Mai now, we hope to have 500 by early next year and 2,000 within a couple of years. Summing up, Steve says, People love that our diamonds are 100% conflict free and eco-friendly and finished by some of the worlds best cutters to create a masterpiece.

Annalisa Cervi, JSNs leading Canadian Ice Diamond designer

Coming Soon.

Canuck Christmas Fest

The Christmas Celebration Starts Early This Year!

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

7:00 pm to 10:30 pm
Bisto 33 Restaurant, 22 Sukhumvit/Soi 33 Come send a very cool Bangkok evening in the beautiful Bistro 33 garden enjoying an all you can eat Christmas buffet and free flowing beer, wine, sparkling wine and house pouring drinks as well as live music, raffle and door prizes. Please purchae tickets in advance from the TCCC Office or Board Members:
Adult Early Bird Price (Until Friday, November 30th) 2,300 baht Adult Standard Price (After Nov. 30th) 2,500 baht Kids 12 & under 600 baht (includes soft drinks)

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Community news

Bangkok teams take two titles in Land of Smiles Tourney

The 17th annual Singha Light Land of Smiles ice hockey tournament took place at Bangkoks Imperial Samrong arena 26th-29th. Entries from around the world braved Bangkoks floodwaters and helped maintain this tourneys reputation as one of the most exciting and fastest-growing hockey tournaments in Asia.
eams were divided into three divisions: International, Recreational and Asian. Thai-based teams did well capturing two of the three titles up for grabs. Countries participating included Singapore, Taiwan, Canada, China, Kuwait, the UAE, Finland, Germany and more. When it was all skated and done, the Abu Dhabi Storm defeated defending champion Taipei Typhoon 3-1 to grab the International Open title in a thrilling final. The Bangkok Flying Farangs B team won the Recreational Division; led by goalie Lance Parkers three shut-outs, they won six straight games, shutting down the Finnish team Jellonas 6-3 in the final match in their bracket. The Farang B top line of Devin Keer, Charlie Argue and Stephen Sproule was a force to be reckoned with throughout the tourney. The Thai Canstar squad defended their Asian title for the third consecutive year defeating arch-rival Hong Kong Hitmen 4-0. The Canstar squad was composed of many of the Thais won a sliver medal at the Asian Winter Games earlier this year in Kazakhstan. Particularly impressive was former ECHL defenseman Likit Andersson and speedsters Tewin Thor Chartsuwan and Janthapong Moo Tengsakul. The Flying Farang A team led by cocaptains Todd Switzer and Geoff McIntyre were 1-1-1 coming out of regulation play; then they beat the Vancouver Devils in the quarter finals to move to a semi-final showdown against nemesis Taipei. The speedier Typhoon jumped out to a 3-0 lead but the Farangs stormed back with two late goals, and almost tied the game in the waning seconds eventually losing 3-2. Flying Farang player-coach Scott Murray was happy with the result giving credit to organizer Scott Whitcomb and his JOG Sports crew for putting on a great tournament despite trying and frustrating circumstances.

The 17th Annual Singha Light Land of Smiles Ice Hockey Tournament ceremonial puck drop with TCCCs President, Mr. John Casella (5th from right)

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce President John Casella, himself a Flying Farang, was on hand the drop the puck for the ceremonial face-off just before the final game. A couple of teams pulled out and a few players left early because of the floods, but

the majority of teams and players braved the tepid waters and stayed through to the tournaments conclusion and closing party at the courtyard adjacent to the Amari Boulevard. Aside from the Amari, the DPelican Inn, BNH and Singha Light were the principal sponsors.

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since 1951. www.isb.ac.th