AMCHAM - An Active Organization
The American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) formed in 1956 with a membership of eight American companies, with about 60 American nationals. Today, AMCHAM has a membership of over 700 organizations and over 2000 professionals. Our membership includes companies, non-profit organizations and individuals.
An Important Function
AMCHAM provides a point of exchange and coordination of efforts to improve business conditions and opportunities for American and American affiliated organizations.
AMCHAM provides businesses and businesspersons with a venue for the exchange of ideas and for identifying common purposes to pursue in both the private and government sectors in Thailand, in the Asian region and in the United States.
AMCHAM has over 20 committees that cover the wide spectrum of commercial and industrial business activities, as well as the Chamber's social and charitable functions. Each committee serves as a forum for discussing common interests and common issues, as well as for taking initiative and action.
AMCHAM has no affiliation with the U.S. Government or any of its components, however AMCHAM maintians an active collaborative relationship with the U.S. Embassy Bangkok and other U.S. Goverment institutions. AMCHAM is also a member of the Board of Trade of Thailand (BOT) and our president is automatically a member of the executive committee of that body. Through this channel, AMCHAM has access to information on economic and commercial activities within the country and maintains liaison with various ministries in the Royal Thai Government.
AMCHAM is an accredited federation member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) with access to all their services and privileges. At our office, a visitor or new arrival intending to do business in or with Thailand can obtain preliminary information and assistance without charge.
AMCHAM also provides the focal point for channeling social service activities intended to benefit Thais and Thailand through the AMCHAM Thailand Charitable Foundation.
Benefits and Services
In addition to serving as a point of contact and exchange for members of the American business community, AMCHAM serves as a valuable resource of information and interaction for members. AMCHAM members receive:
• Monthly Membership Luncheon Coupons
• Thai-American Business (T-AB) Magazine
• Annual Membership Directory
• Expedited Visa Business Appointments with the AMCHAM Business Executive Visa Program
• Benefits and Compensation Survey and ASEAN Business Confidence Survey results, among other useful statistical information resources
• Member access to the AMCHAM Website, which provides a wealth of information including an events calendar, company directory and other information of interest on AMCHAM and doing business in Thailand
• Weekly e-briefs of upcoming events and U.S. State Department announcements and warnings
• Free use of the AMCHAM Meeting Rooms and Library in GPF Witthayu Tower with access to Wi-Fi internet
• Discounted Health Insurance Plan for SMEs, and
• JUSMAG ACCESS. AMCHAM members have access to the dining and beverage facilities at JUSMAG on Sathorn. Hours are 6 am - 3 pm for the cafetaria and 3.30 - 9 pm for the Lounge. You must show an AMCHAM membership card for entrance.
Information Source
Through AMCHAM, members can obtain regularly updated information on a broad spectrum of areas in a number of forms and venues:
- Annual Membership Directory
This compendium includes comprehensive information on Thailand, including economic trends, investment steps, business laws, taxation, and investment incentives, as well as three indexes: by company name, representative name, and business classification.
- Magazine
Thai-American Business (T-AB) is a full-color, bimonthly publication with information about AMCHAM and its members, along with news items and informative articles on subjects of current interest.
- Briefings
AMCHAM organizes briefings for visiting government officials or business executives and has a Corporate Briefing Committee.
- Speakers
At breakfasts, lunches, or dinners, AMCHAM invites interesting speakers who are outstanding in their fields, whether in Thailand or elsewhere, to talk on subjects of relevance and significance.
- Seminars
Some of AMCHAM's committees organize seminars that focus on matters likely to have great impact on doing business in Thailand.
- Taxation and Legislation Updates
AMCHAM monitors changes in taxation and legislation (Thai and American) that impact member interests.
- Business opportunities
AMCHAM maintains information on inquiries from the United States regarding doing business with or in Thailand.
- Member Data
AMCHAM maintains a constantly-updated database with comprehensive information on members and representatives.
- Washington DC Door-Knock
Each year AMCHAM organizes a visit by members to Capitol Hill to inform legislators and professional staff of the current situation in Thailand, including raising issues considered relevant to doing business in Thailand.
Social Activities
AMCHAM organizes approximately 275 events and activities year-round. In addition to the monthly committee meetings, luncheons and networking events, there are two charity golf tournaments each year, scheduled around Memorial Day and Thanksgiving. Each February, the Installation Ball is a social highlight that raises money for the AMCHAM Thailand Charitable Foundation. The annual Festive Holiday Eggnog Party held each December benefits a local charity and offers an opportunity for AMCHAM members to socialize with their families.