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Dear BCCT Members and Partners,

As we begin 2026, the British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT) is pleased to share key advocacy outcomes from November and December 2025. Over the past two months, BCCT strengthened its engagement with major Thai government agencies to address regulatory bottlenecks, foster skills development, and reinforce the competitiveness of Thailand’s labour market and investment environment. These discussions set a strong foundation for continued collaboration in 2026 as we collectively work toward an enabling climate for British–Thai business growth.

Strengthening Business Mobility & Investment Confidence

BCCT – Immigration Bureau – BOI Coordination Meeting | 20 November 2025

BCCT convened a technical coordination meeting with the Immigration Bureau and the Board of Investment (BOI) to address the persistent challenges facing businesses in work permit and visa procedures. The session brought together:

• Khun Kantarot Laopradith, Executive Director, Expatriate Services Division, BOI
• Pol.Lt.Col. Thawatchai Nongbua, Superintendent of Police Station 1, Immigration Bureau 1
• Khun Tanva Mahitivanichcha, BCCT Member, Grant Thornton
• Ms. Thitipa Laxanaphisuth, BCCT Policy Manager

The discussion focused on inconsistent interpretation of regulations, delays in processing, and gaps within existing digital systems. BCCT underscored the need for improved clarity and transparency to bolster Thailand’s competitiveness for foreign professionals.

All parties acknowledged the importance of faster and more predictable service delivery. The meeting concluded with agreement to identify procedural “quick wins,” explore enhanced coordination for BOI-privileged companies, and undertake further dialogue through targeted working sessions in 2026.

Supporting Workforce Development & Education Modernisation

Meeting with the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) | 4 December 2025

BCCT met with the Secretary-General of OVEC, Mr. Yotsapol Venugoses, and senior representatives to explore opportunities for collaboration in vocational education, English proficiency, and skills development.

BCCT was represented by:

• Ms. Pinyapa (Aime) Somphong, Chair, BCCT / Managing Partner, TWLS
• Mr. Chris Cracknell, BCCT Honorary Advisor / Senior Business Leader, Grant Thornton
• Mr. Chris Sammons, Head of School, Bangkok Patana School
• Ms. Rachel Jones, Director of Admissions, Bangkok Patana School
• Mr. Danny Whitehead, Country Director, British Council Thailand
• Mr. Rob Kindness, Sales Director, ABE UK Thailand
• Ms. Pranee Kaewsaard, Managing Director, ABE UK Thailand
• Ms. Phinnipha (Nina) Suriyong, Founder, APlus Career Development
• Mr. Greg Watkins, Executive Director, BCCT
• Ms. Thitipa Laxanaphisuth, Policy Manager, BCCT

The meeting highlighted shared priorities including English language readiness, safeguarding standards, teacher training, and industry-linked vocational pathways. OVEC’s “Vocational Go Inter” vision strongly aligns with British educational expertise and industry requirements, particularly in enhancing soft skills, entrepreneurship, and digital capability.

This dialogue laid the groundwork for more structured collaboration in 2026, aimed at equipping Thai learners with globally recognised competencies and strengthening employer-graduate alignment.

Enhancing Labour Competitiveness & Policy Clarity

Courtesy Meeting with the Ministry of Labour (MOL)| 12 December 2025

A BCCT delegation, led by Ms. Pinyapa (Aime) Somphong, met with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Labour, Pol. Lt. Gen. Wannaphong Kotcharak, to address labour policy developments and workforce challenges.

The BCCT delegation included:

• Ms. Pinyapa (Aime) Somphong, Chair, BCCT / Managing Partner, TWLS Company Ltd.
• Ms. Rachel Jones, BCCT Director / Head of Admissions, Bangkok Patana School
• Mr. Alvin Liew Voon Siong, BCCT Director / CFO, OCS / PCS Security & Facilities Services
• Mr. Ian Kavanagh, BCCT Director / Regional Operations Director, AB Food & Beverages / Twinings
• Ms. Rudee Aroonsaengroj, BCCT Member / OCS / PCS Security & Facilities Services
• Mr. Danny Whitehead, BCCT Member / Country Director, British Council Thailand
• Mr. Chris Cracknell, BCCT Honorary Advisor / Chairman, Grant Thornton Thailand
• Ms. Thitipa Laxanaphisuth, BCCT Policy Manager

Central themes included productivity, workforce upskilling, a more predictable visa and work permit framework, and employer support during MOL’s digital transition. BCCT reiterated its readiness to contribute to efforts that balance worker welfare with economic competitiveness—particularly given Thailand’s ageing population and sectoral skill shortages.

A proposal to establish a BCCT–MOL Working Group received positive acknowledgement, signalling a pathway toward more structured cooperation in 2026.

Looking Forward in 2026

Entering 2026, BCCT will prioritise proactive engagement with the new government cabinet to advance an enabling business environment for British and international investors. Our advocacy will focus on:

• enhancing ease of doing business, including streamlined regulatory procedures and transparent mobility systems
• promoting trade and investment, particularly in high-potential sectors aligned with Thailand’s competitiveness goals
• supporting policy reforms that strengthen productivity, labour capability, and long-term economic resilience
• improving digitalisation and regulatory clarity to build confidence among foreign employers and investors

BCCT will continue to serve as a constructive partner in public–private dialogue—facilitating evidence-based recommendations, highlighting business pain points, and supporting collaborative solutions that benefit both government and industry.

The BCCT Policy Office extends its sincere appreciation to our Board of Directors, members, and partners for their engagement, insight, and continued support throughout 2025. We remain open to feedback, sector-specific perspectives, and priority interests from member companies to ensure our 2026 advocacy agenda reflects the issues that matter most to our community.

Together, we look forward to strengthening British–Thai partnership and driving sustainable business growth in the year ahead.

Stay Connected

For policy updates, participation opportunities, or to raise regulatory issues, please contact the BCCT Policy Office at thitipa@bccthai.com 

Website: www.bccthai.com
LinkedIn: British Chamber of Commerce Thailand
Facebook: BCCT Thailand

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