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Last Updated on Friday, 19 June 2009 10:05 Written by Administrator Friday, 17 April 2009 21:12
Conflict, the global slowdown, adverse weather conditions and the impact of the Iraq War all took their toll on the economies of sub-Saharan Africa in 2002 and into 2003. Meanwhile, the process of regional economic integration was accompanied by conflict resolution initiatives intended to prevent yet more genocide and instability in Africa.
Conflict resolution working
Positive political developments took place in the Great Lakes region of central Africa, which, after years of tribal warfare, edged its way towards peace and stability in 2002 and 2003. In late 2002, a peace agreement signed by civilian groups and warring factions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict marked the beginning of the end of one of Africa’s bloodiest wars. The threat posed by irregulars and groups outside the peace agreement persists, but international intervention in April 2003 and African mediation appear to have pulled the DRC away from war.
Rwanda showed signs of greater stability, with overwhelming support for a democratic constitution in a referendum held in May 2003. The new constitution pledges to end the Hutu-Tutsi tribal rivalries, which were behind the genocide of the 1990s, by preventing one-party dominance of the political system and banning incitement to racial hatred.
In Burundi, the peace process was threatened by an upsurge of violence in mid-2003. The country’s transitional government had intended to give fair representation to both Hutus and Tutsis. But when Domitien Ndayizeye, a Hutu, became president in April 2003, Tutsi extremists launched an attack on the capital, Bujumbura. Conflict abated in July, but there were fears that the failure of a number of rebel groups to agree to a permanent ceasefire and demobilisation under the 2000 Arusha Peace Accord would undermine Burundi’s transition to democratic governance. With political parties organised along tribal lines, tensions are likely to build as the country prepares for elections in 2004.
In East Africa, Sudan made tentative steps towards peace, with the signing of the Machakos Protocol. The accord, brokered by the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (Igad) – an organisation launched in 1993 by the governments of Kenya, Sudan, Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, Uganda and Eritrea – met some of the demands of the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), which is campaigning for succession for the south. However, the deal threatens to unravel as both sides are unable to compromise on the issue of SPLA representation in government and the distribution of oil revenues, which are largely from the south.
In West Africa, the outbreak of civil war in Côte d’Ivoire threatened to plunge the region into the kind of chaotic, bloody conflict seen in Sierra Leone in the 1990s. The conflict began in September 2002 as a localised mutiny by Muslim soldiers, but spread due to widespread Muslim dissatisfaction with the increasingly xenophobic and anti-Muslim rhetoric and policies of President Laurent Gbagbo. By the end of the year, Côte d’Ivoire was split between the Christian south and Muslim north, with allegations that neighbouring states, such as Liberia and Burkina Faso, were backing rebel groups. The Economic Community of West African States (Ecowas), with the support of the country’s former colonial ruler, France, and the UN, was quick to act, by deploying troops to create a buffer zone between warring groups and encouraging ceasefire talks. In January 2003, rebel groups and the government signed the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement in Paris, which included a government of national reconciliation. By mid-2003, the rebels had joined the transitional government, although they had not laid down their arms.
The smooth conflict resolution initiative in Côte d’Ivoire was repeated in Liberia, where rebel groups had made large gains. By mid-2003, the rebels were on the outskirts of the capital Monrovia and Liberia’s President Charles Taylor’s grip on power was slipping. With US warships moored just off the Liberian coast, African leaders felt they had more authority over the situation. In August 2003, Ecowas managed to negotiate an agreement with the Liberian government to allow Ecowas peace-keepers into Monrovia, along with Taylor’s resignation as president and exile to Nigeria. On 14 October, Gyude Bryant was sworn in as Liberia’s new president.
Food means growth
The strength of economic growth across Africa will depend on climatic conditions and post-conflict recovery, factors which have a large influence on the performance of key agricultural sectors. Severe flooding hit Kenya, Senegal and Algeria, while drought affected large parts of Southern and East Africa as well as the Sahel. This had a substantial impact on growth levels in these countries.
In Southern Africa, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Swaziland reported poor harvests in the first half of 2003, leaving large parts of the population dependent on food imports. Angola and the DRC continued to be affected by food supply problems and internal displacement related to years of drought and conflict, although rehabilitation and humanitarian assistance are helping recovery.
In East Africa, the UN’s World Food Programme (WFP) warned that northern Uganda, Somalia, Eritrea and Ethiopia faced drought-induced famine in 2003. In Sudan, a commitment under the July 2002 Machakos Protocol had allowed humanitarian agencies into conflict zones for the first time, easing the food crisis in these areas.
In the arid Sahel region, the Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Cape Verde were badly affected by the third successive year of drought. Meanwhile, Burkina Faso, Chad, Guinea-Bissau and Niger were facing what the WFP called a ‘silent emergency’ in 2003 – although they have not experienced adverse weather conditions or civil unrest, they suffer high levels of malnutrition.
Falling prices
The World Bank’s non-energy commodity price index for low- and middle-income countries rose by 7.5 per cent in the first half of 2003 compared to 2002, with growth in the metals and minerals index at 7.7 per cent, agriculture at 7.6 per cent and timber at 5.9 per cent. The prices of exported agricultural commodities rose faster than food prices, while the fertiliser price index rose by just 2.4 per cent. Consequently, international prices and the cost of inputs are in favour of African farmers, although this does not guarantee increased output.
The end of hostilities in Côte d’Ivoire, the world’s largest cocoa producer, saw a sharp decline in cocoa prices, which fell from an average of US$214 per kg in the first quarter of 2003 to US$163 by September. This will have a negative impact on the agricultural sectors of some African countries, particularly Ghana which had been investing in cocoa production in order to capitalise on the rise in prices during the Ivorian conflict. Coffee and tea continued to experience a fall in prices in 2002 and the first half of 2003 due to oversupply and high stocks. Meanwhile, gold prices surged on the back of heightened concerns over conflict in the Middle East and the international economic situation, rising by 13 per cent in the first half of 2003 compared to the 2002 average. This will give a significant boost to African gold producers, such as South Africa, Ghana and Mali.
Outlook
The success of various peace initiatives in 2002 and 2003 did not lead to immediate economic benefits. The 2003 edition of the Economic Report on Africa, published by the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in July 2003, forecast growth of just 3.3 per cent in 2003, compared to 3.2 per cent growth in 2002 and 4.3 per cent in 2001.
Conflict resolution will undoubtedly help alleviate some of the stresses placed on a number of African countries. As always, Africa’s rate of growth will be influenced by the world prices of primary commodities – particularly coffee, tea, cotton, oil and gold – and climatic conditions; factors which are often hard to predict.
Newsflash
Thailand
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
Business directory
The addresses listed below are a selection only. While World of Information makes every endeavour to check these addresses, we cannot guarantee that changes have not been made, especially to telephone numbers and area codes. We would welcome any corrections.
Telephone area codes
The international direct dialling code for Thailand is +66, followed by area code and subscriber's number:
Bangkok 2 Nakhon Ratchasima 44
Chiang Mai 53 Nakhon Sawan 56
Lampang 54 Udon Thani 42
Useful telephone numbers
Metropolitan Mobile Police: 123, 191, 246-1338/42
Tourist Assistance Centre: 195, 281-5051
Capital Security Police: 123
Fire: 199, 246-0199
Ambulance: 252-2171/75
Directory (Bangkok): 13
Directory (provinces): 183
International calls: 100 Rail travel: 223-1431
Chambers of Commerce
American Chamber of Commerce, 7th Floor, Kian Gwan Building, 140 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 (tel: 251-9266; fax: 651-4474).
Australian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, 20th Floor, Unit 202, Thai CC Tower, 889 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 (tel: 210-0216/7; fax: 210-0218).
Board of Trade of Thailand, 150/2 Rajbopit Road, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 221-0555; fax: 225-3995).
British Chamber of Commerce, 208, 7th Floor, Wireless Road, Bangkok (tel: 651-5350/3; fax: 651-5354).
Chambre de Franco-Thai, 75/20 Soi 26, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 (tel: 261-8276/7; fax: 261-8278).
Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce, Chanthaburi Community Center, Liabnern Road, Muang District, Chanthaburi 22000 (tel: 321-551; fax: 325-024).
Chiangmai Chamber of Commerce, 50-50/4 Hillside Plaza Building, 3rd Floor, Huay-Kaew Road, Muang District, Chiangmai 50300 (tel: 223-256; fax: 222-482).
Chinese Chamber of Commerce, 233 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok (tel/fax: 211-8531).
Chon Buri Chamber of Commerce, Chon Buri Community Building (Ruam Chai Chan), Old Hospital Road, Muang District, Chon Buri 20000 (tel: 273-095; fax: 273-096).
Federation of Thai Industries, 60 Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, New Petchaburi Road, Bangkok (tel: 229-4255/83; fax: 229-4941/2).
German-Thai Chamber of Commerce, 699 Silom Road, Bangkok 10330 (tel: 236-2396).
Indian-Thai Chamber of Commerce,13 Soi Attakanprasit, South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10330 (tel: 286-1961, 286-1506).
Italian-Thai Chamber of Commerce, 12th Floor, Vamit Building, 1126/1 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 253-9904; fax: 253-9896).
Japanese Chamber of Commerce, 13th Floor Amarin Tower, 500 Ploenchit Road, Bangkok 10330 (tel: 256-9170/3; fax: 256-9621).
Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce, 359/2 Mittaphab Road, Muang District, Khon Kaen 4000 (tel: 224-521; fax: 225-719).
Nakhon Ratchasima Chamber of Commerce, 100/15 Mukkhamontri Road, Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima 3000 (tel: 244-249; fax: 258-552).
Phang-nga Chamber of Commerce, 647/1 Phetkasem Road, Muang District, Phang-nga 82000 (tel: 411-386; fax: 411-386).
Philippine-Thai Chamber of Commerce, 21st Floor, Sethiwan Tower, 139 Pan Road, Bangkok 10300 (tel/fax: 226-6298).
Rayong Chamber of Commerce, 65 Sukhumvit Road, Muang district, Rayong 21000 (tel: 614-409; fax: 616-414).
Songkhla Chamber of Commerce, 8 Soi P. Nattapon 4, Muang District, Songkhla 90110 (tel: 246-583; fax: 246-385).
Surathani Chamber of Commerce, 6/1-2 Preeda Rasadorn Road, Muang District, Surathani 84000 (tel: 210-039; fax: 273-669).
Thai Chamber of Commerce, 150 Ratchabophit Road, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 225-0086; fax: 225-4913/4).
Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, 9th Floor, Sethiwan Building, 139 Pan Road, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 266-6085; fax: 266-6087).
Thai-Korea Chamber of Commerce, 8th Floor, Kong Bunma Building, 699 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 233-1322/3). Trat Chamber of Commerce, 87/5 Wiwatana Road, Muang District, Trat 23000 (tel: 520-430; fax: 520-430).
Banking
Bangkok Bank PCL, 333 Silom Road, Bangkok (tel: 231-4333; fax: 236-8281/2).
Bangkok Bank of Commerce Ltd, 99 Surasak Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 234-9230, 235-5040/9; fax: 234-2939).
Bangkok Metropolitan Bank Ltd, 2 Chalermkhet 4 Street, Pomrab, Bangkok (tel: 223-0561; fax: 224-3768).
Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives, 469 Nakhon Sawan Road, Dusit, Bangkok 10300 (tel: 280-0180).
Bank of America NT & SA, 2/2 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 251-6333; fax: 253-1905).
Bank of Asia PCL, 191 South Sathorn Road, Bangkok 10120 (tel: 287-2211/3; fax: 287-2973/4).
Bank of Ayuthaya Ltd, 1222 Rama III Road, Bangkok 10120 (tel: 296-2000, 683-1000; fax: 683-1304).
Bank of Toyko Ltd, 62 Silom Road, Bangkok (tel: 236-0119/9103; fax: 236-9110).
Chase Manhattan Bank, Siam Shopping Centre, 965 Rama I Road, Bangkok 10330 (tel: 252-1141).
Citibank NA, 127 Sathorn Tai Road, Bangkok (tel: 213-2441; fax: 213-2517).
Deutsche Bank, 21 Sathorn Tai Road, Bangkok (tel: 240-9401; fax: 240-9425).
Export-Import Bank of Thailand, Boon Pong Tower, 1193 Thanon Phahonyothin, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 271-3700, 278-0047; fax: 271-3204).
First Bangkok City Bank Ltd, 20 Yukhon Road 2, Pomrab, Bangkok (tel: 223-0501; fax: 225-3036).
Hongkong & Shanghai Banking Corporation, 64 Silom Road, Bangkok (tel: 267-3000; fax: 236-7687).
Import-Export Bank of Japan, 138 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 235-7373).
Industrial Finance Corp of Thailand, 1770 New Petchburi Road, Bangkapi, Bangkok 10320 (tel: 253-7111; fax: 253-9677).
International Commercial Bank of China, 36/12 PS Tower, Asoke, 21 Sukhumvit, Phrakhanong, Bangkok 10110 (tel: 259-2000; fax: 259-1330) .
Krung Thai Bank Ltd, 35 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok (tel: 255-2222; fax: 255-9391/6).
Nakornthon Bank Ltd, 90 Sathonthanee Building, Sathorn Nua Road, Bangrak, Bangkok (tel: 233-2111; fax: 236-4226).
Siam Commercial Bank, 9 Rachadapisek Road, Bangkok (tel: 344-1111; fax: 937-7454).
Siam City Bank Public Company Limited, 1101 New Petchburi Road, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 208-5000/5043; fax: 253-1240).
Standard Chartered Bank, 990 Rama IV Road, Bangkok (tel: 636-1000; fax: 636-1198/9).
Thai Danu Bank Ltd, 393 Silom Road, Bangkok (tel: 233-9160/9; fax: 236-7939).
Thai Farmers Bank, 1 Thai farmers Lane, Rat Burana Road, Bangkok (tel: 470-1122; fax: 470-1571). Thai Military Bank Ltd, 3000 Phahonyothin Rd, Bangkok 10900 (tel: 299-1111, 273-7020; fax: 273-7121/7124).
Central bank
Bank of Thailand, 273 Samsen Road, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 2283-5353; fax: 2280-0449).
Travel information
Police (Tourist) (for reports of theft in order to get a written document for insurance purposes), 29/1 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit Road, Lumpini, Bangkok (tel: 255-2964/8).
Royal Automobile Association of Thailand, 151, Soi Aphaisongkram, Phaholyothin, 10900, Bangkok (tel: 511-2230/1).
Thai Airways International Ltd, 6 Thanon Larn Luang, Bangkok (tel: 280-0090, reservations 280-0700) (internal travel).
Thai Airways International Ltd, 89 Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Bangkok 9 10900 (tel: 513-0121, (reservations) 233-3810; fax: 513-0183) (international travel).
Thai Hotels Association, 203-209/2 Rajdamnoen Klang Avenue, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 281-9496, 281-9579; fax: 281-4188).
National tourist organisation offices
Tourism Authority of Thailand, Le Concorde Building, 202 Rachadapisek Road, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10320 (tel: 694-1222; fax: 694-1220, 694-1221; e-mail: center@tat.or.th; internet site: http://www.tourismthailand.org).
Ministries
Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives, Thanon Ratchadamnoen Nok, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 281-5955, 281-5939; fax: 280-1691).
Ministry of Commerce, Thanon Samamchai, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 282-6171/9; fax: 280-0775).
Ministry of Defence, Thanon Samamchai, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 225-0098, 222-1121; fax: 226-3115).
Ministry of Education, Wang Chan Kasem, Thanon Ratchadamnoen Nok, Bangkok 10300 (tel: 280-0306).
Ministry of Finance, Thanon Rama VI, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 273-9021; fax: 293-9408).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sri Ayutthaya Road, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 643-5000; fax: 643-5180).
Ministry of Industry, Thanon Rama VI, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 202-3000; fax: 202-3048).
Ministry of the Interior, Thanon Atsadang, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 222-1141/55; fax: 223-8851).
Ministry of Justice, Thanon Rachadaphisek, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 (tel: 541-2284/91; fax: 541-2307).
Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Thanon Mitmaitri, Dindaeng, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 245-4782; fax: 246-1520).
Ministry of Public Health, Thanon Tiwanond, Amphoe Muang, Nonthaburi 11000 (tel: 591-8491; fax: 591-8492).
Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment, Thanon Rama VI, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 246-0064; fax: 246-5146).
Ministry of Transport and Communications, 38 Thanon Ratchadanoen Nok, Bangkok 10100 (tel: 283-3000; fax: 281-3959).
Ministry of University Affairs, 328 Thanon Si Ayutthaya, Khet Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 246-0025, 246-1106/14; fax: 245-8636, 245-8930, 246-8883).
Other useful addresses
Advertising Association of Thailand, 12/14 Prachaniwet 1 Road, Lardyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 (tel: 591-6461; fax: 589-9470).
ASEAN Investment Promotion Agency, Board of Investment, 555 Vipavadee Rangsit, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 (tel: 537-8111; fax: 537-8177; web: www.boi.go.th).
ASEAN Secretariat, 70 A J1 Sisingamangaraja, Jakarta 12110, Indonesia (tel: 62(21)726-2991, 724-3372; fax: 724-3504, 739-8234; web: www.asean.or.id).
Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, 131 Tiumruammitr Road, Huay Kwang, Bangkok 10310 (tel: 246-0339, 246-0741/4, 246-0750/2).
British Embassy, Wireless Road, Bangkok (tel: 253-0191; fax: 255-8619, 255-9278).
Chiangmai Province Commercial Office, Chiangmai City Hall, Chotana Road, Muang District, Chiangmai 50300 (tel: 221-217; fax: 221-121).
Communications Authority of Thailand, 99 Chaeng Watthana Road, Bangkok 10002 (tel: 573-0099).
Customs Department, Atnarong Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 (tel: 249-0431, 671-7555/7).
Department of Export Promotion, 22/77 Rachadapisek Road, Bangkok 10900 (tel: 513-1909/15, 511-5066/77; fax: 512-1079, 513-1917).
Department of Foreign Trade, Samamchai Road, Bangkok 10110 (tel: 225-1315/29; fax: 224-7269, 225-4763).
Deparetment of Industrial Promotion,Thanon Rama VI, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 202-4415/6; fax: 246-0031)
Department of Local Administration, Thanon Asadang, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 222-3852, 222-8847; fax: 222-5858).
Department of Mineral Resources, Rama VI Road, Bangkok 10400 (tel: 246-0034, 246-1161/9).
Eastern Trader’s Association for Exporting Fruit-Vegetable, 30/31-32 Trirat Road, Muang District, Chanthaburi 22000 (tel: 325-962; fax: 325-962).
Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), United Nations Building, Bangkok (tel: 288-1234; fax: 288-1000).
Election Division, Department of Local Administration, Ministry of Interior, Thanon Asadang, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 221-5871; fax: 222-6886).
Export Promotion Centre-Chanthaburi, 30/31-32 Trirat Road, Chanthaburi 22000 (tel: 325-962/3; fax: 325-962).
Export Promotion Centre-Chiang Mai, 29/19 Singharaj Road, Chiang Mai 50200 (tel: 216-350/1, 221-376; fax: 215-307).
Export Promotion Centre-Hat Yai, 7-15 Jootee-Uthit 1 Road, Hat Yai, Songkla 90110 (tel: 234-349, 231-744; fax: 234-329).
Export Promotion Centre-Khon Kaen, 68/4 Kiang Muang Road, Khon Kaen 40000 (tel: 221-472; fax: 221-476).
Export Promotion Centre-Surat Thani, 148/59 Surat-Nakornsri Road, Bang Kung, Surat Thani , Bangkok 84000 (tel: 286-916; fax: 288-632).
Export Service Centre, Department of Commercial Relations, Ministry of Commerce, 22–77 Thanon Rachadaphisek–Ladprao, Bangkok 10900 (tel: 513-1905).
Federation of Nakhon Ratchasima Industries, 269 Friendship Highway, Tambon Kokgruad Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima 30280 (tel: 251-028; fax: 251-033).
Federation of Southern Industries, Songkhla Chapter, 165 Southern Industrial Promotion Center Building, 3rd Floor, Karnchanawanitch, Haadyai District, Songkhla 90110 (tel: 211-905).
Federation of Thai Industries, Queen Sirikit National Convention Center, Zone C 4th Floor, 60 New Rachadapisek Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 (tel: 229-4255; fax: 229-4941).
Federation of Thai Industries, Chiangmai and Nearby Chapter, Northern Industrial Promotion Centre Building, 1st Floor, 158 Tung Hotel Road, Muang District, Chiangmai 50000 (tel: 304-346; fax: 246-353).
Federation of Thai Industries, Khon Kaen Chapter, 359/2 Mittaphab Road, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000 (tel: 225-679; fax: 225-678).
Federation of Thai Industries, Surathani Chapter, 160/19 Surat-Punpin Road, Makhamtia, Muang District, Surathani 84000 (tel: 285-722).
Federation of Thai Udon Thani Industries and Nearby Chapter, 83/14 Watana Road, Muang District, Udon Thani 41000 (tel: 242-004; fax: 246-498).
Fishery Association of Thailand, 1575 Charoen Nakom Road, Bangkok 10600 (tel: 437-0158/62; fax: 437-1262).
Foreign Bankers Association, 19th Floor, Sathorn Thani Building 2, 92/55 North Sathorn Road, Silom Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 236-4730, 236-7224; fax: 236-4731).
General Post Office, 1160 Thanon Jaroenkrung, Bangkok 10501 (tel: 233-1050).
Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, 618 Nikhom Makkasan Road, Phayathai, Bangkok (tel: 253-0561).
Industrial Finance Corporation, 1770 New Petchaburi Road, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 253-7111, 253-9666; fax: 253-9677, 254-8098).
Lawyers Association, 26 Ratchadamnern Avenue, Bangkok 10220 (tel: 224-1873).
National Statistical Office, Lan Luang Road, Bangkok 10100 (tel: 281-3022; fax: 281-3815, 281-3848).
Northern Industrial Promotion Center, 158 Tung Hotel Road, Muang District, Chiangmai 50000 (tel: 245-361; fax: 248-315).
Northern Investment Promotion Office, 369/1 Charoenrat Road, Watgate, Muang District, Chiangmai 50000 (tel: 248-778; fax: 240-919).
Office of the Board of Investment, 555 Vibhavadi-Rangsit Road, (opposite Central Plaza Hotel), Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 (tel: 537-8111, 537-8155; fax: 537-8177; e-mail: head@boi.go.th).
Office of Foreign Trade, Sanambin Road, Suthep, Muang District, Chiangmai 50200 (tel: 274-672; fax: 277-901).
Office of the National Culture Commission, Thanon Ratchadapisek, Khet Huay Khwang, Bangkok 10310 (tel: 248-5839, 247-0013/19 (ext 201); fax: 248-5841, 248-5851, 248-5845).
Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board, 962 Krung Kasem, Bangkok 10100 (tel: 282-8434; fax: 282-0891).
Port Authority of Thailand, Thanon Sunthomkosa, (tel: 249-0362).
Prime Minister’s Office, Government House, Thanon Nakhon Pathom, Bangkok 10300 (tel: 282-6543, 282-6877; fax: 282-8587, 282-8631).
Religious Affairs Department, Thanon Ratchamnoen Nok, Bangkok 10300 (tel: 281-6080 (ext 43, 74 or 40); fax: 281-5415).
Royal Thai Embassy (US), Suite 401, 1024 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington DC 20007 (tel: 202-944-3600; fax: 202-944-3611; e-mail: thai.wsn@thaiembdc.org).
Securities Exchange of Thailand, 32 Sinthon Building, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 250-0001/8).
Southern Industrial Economic Affairs Center, 3rd Floor, Songkhla Industrial Office Building, Karnchanawanitch Road, Muang district, Songkhla 90000 (tel: 321-166; fax: 321-167).
Southern Industrial Promotion Center, Department of Industrial Promotion, 165 Karnchanawanitch, Muang District, Songkhla 90110 (tel: 211-905).
Stock Exchange of Thailand (SET), Sinthon Building, 2nd Floor, 132 Wireless Road, Bangkok 10330 (tel: 254-0960, 254-0969, 256-7100, 256-7109; fax: 254-7120, 256-3040).
Telephone Organisation of Thailand, 89/2 Moo 3 Chaeng Wattana, Bangkok 10002 (tel: 505-1000; fax: 574-9533).
Thai Bankers’ Association, 4th Floor, Lake Rachada Office Complex, Building II, Rachadapisek Road, Bangkok 10110 (tel: 264-0883/7; fax: 264-0888).
Thai Mining Association, 79 Prachatipatai Road, Banpanthom, Pranakom, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 282-8947/9; fax: 280-3786, 282-7372).
Thai Petrochemical Industry and Trade Association, 175-177 Surawong Road, Bangkok 10500 (tel: 238-2956/9; fax: 236-3110). Thai Rice Mill Association, 81 Soi Rong Nam Kheng, Charoenkrung Road, Samphanthawong, Bangkok 10100 (tel: 235-7863, 234-7295; fax: 234-7286). Trade Statistics Centre, Department of Business Economics, Ratchadamnoen Klang, Bangkok 10200 (tel: 282-6393, 280-1727; fax: 280-0775, 280-0826).
Internet sites
Board of Investment http://www.boi.go.th
Commercial directory: http://www.sino.net.thai/commerce/thaiprod.htm
Thailand government: http://www.thaigov.go.th
Thailand trade directory: http://www.sino.net/index.htm