A TCCC Legend…Sam Cohen

(See pages 7, 12 and 14)

JUN

E 2

01

2

A publication of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce 06 / 2012

Corporate PartnershipPremier Sponsors

Executive Sponsors

Calendar

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 membersand others who are active in expanding

Thai-Canadian bilateral trade.

Editor: Randy Shockley, Executive Director,

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Publisher:Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd.

211 Soi Prasert-Manukitch 29, Prasert-Manukitch Rd., Chorakeabua, Ladprao Bangkok 10230

Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166-8 Fax: +66(0) 2943-7169

Design: Disraporn YatpromEmail: disraporn@scandmedia.com

Advertising Contact:Mr. Finn Balslev, Marketing Director Scandinavian Publishing Co., Ltd.

Tel: +66(0) 2943-7166 ext.116 or 08-1866-2577Email: finn@scandmedia.com

CCBAUpcoming events in the region:Korea: http://www.canchamkorea.orgWHEN: July 1, 2012; 3:30 pm – 6:30 pmWHAT: Canada DayWHERE: Embassy of Canada.PRICE: 30,000 KRW for member, 35,000 KRW for non-members 5,000 KRW for kids

Hong Kong: http://www.cancham.orgWHEN: Wednesday, July 04, 2012; 12:30 pm - 2:00 pmWHAT: Business in MotionWHERE: The Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong, 1301 Kinwick Centre, 32

Hollywood Road, Central.PRICE: HK$150 for members, HK$250 for non-members.

Japan: http://www.cccj.or.jpWHEN: Thursday July 12, 2012; 6:30 pm - 8 pm (Registration begins at 6 pm.)WHAT: Canada Day Celebration in the Kansai 2012WHERE: "R" Riverside Grill & Beer Garden (Nakanoshima-Koen-Nai, 1-Chome,

Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka.PRICE: 5,500yen for CJSK/OCCI/KCBA members, 7,000 yen for non-members we will accept participation fee in Cash at the event reception.

2012/2013 TCCC Executives

Patron:His Excellence Ambassador of Canada

Officers:President – Peter van Haren

Vice President – Derek van PeltVice President – John Casella Secretary – Dr. Tim Cornwall Treasurer – Michael Howard

Executive Board:Ali Fancy

Derek van PeltJohn CasellaJohn Stevens

Neil ChiuMichael HowardPeter van HarenRon LivingstonScott Coates

Sranyoo ChanateDr. Tim Cornwall

Todd Switzer

Embassy Representative:Ping Kitnikone

Advisors:Don Lavoie

Geoff McIntyreMichael White

Picharn SukparangseeRaymond Bodemer

Sam CohenSurachit Chanovan

Executive Director:Randy Shockley

Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce139 Pan Road, Sethiwan Tower

9th floor, Bangkok 10500Tel: +66(0) 2266-6085-6Fax: +66(0) 2266-6087

Email: tccc@loxinfo.co.thWebsite: www.tccc.or.th

Calendar of events: TCCCWHEN: Sunday, July 1st, 2012; 2:00 pm – 4:00 pmWHAT: 1st Annual “Rusty Blades” Family Skate in honour of Canada DayWHERE: “The RINK” on the 7th floor of Central Rama 9 Mall (Exit at Rama 9 MRT Station). Event offers free parking for up to 3 hours at Central Rama 9 Mall. Assistance for new skaters is provided by the Flying Farangs. PRICE: 300 baht – Members & Non Members (includes 2 hours of skating, skate rental and free soft drink; no charge for non-skaters.

WHEN: Wednesday, July 18, 2012; 6:30 pm – 8:30 pmWHAT: TCCC’s 9th Annual Maple Leaf Bowling TournamentWHERE: Blu-O Rhythm & Bowl, 5th Floor - Siam Paragon CineplexPRICE: Bowlers: Individuals - 1,000 baht; Team (4-persons) - 3,600 baht; Non Bowlers – 100 Baht

WHEN: Thursday, July 26, 2012 (6:30 pm – 9:00 pm)WHAT: Joint TCCC & NZTCC Networking NightWHERE: Sheraton Grande SukhumvitPRICE: Special pricing for this joint event: 300 baht – Members; 500 baht – Non Members; price includes snacks, beer & wine.

WHEN: Friday, July 27, 2012; 11:30 am – 2:00 pmWHAT: Joint Chambers Speaker Luncheon: Former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will speak on “Thai Politics: Friend or Foe of Business?”WHERE: Shangri-La Hotel BangkokPRICE: 800 baht – Members; 1,200 baht – Non Members

9th Annual Maple Leaf Bowling TournamentWednesday, July 18, 2012 Registration: 6:30 pm / Game Start: 7:00 - 8:30 pm

Join us for a fun evening and a great company team building event…

Limited to 20 teams!

Lucky draw prizes as well as a special recognition award for the Most Creative Team. Show Your Team Colours…

Cost: 1,000 Baht - Per Player or 3,600 Baht - Per Team of 4 Players (price includes: two games, soft drinks, popcorn, rental shoes, but bring

your own socks!); 100 - Baht for non-players

Place: Blu-O Rhythm and Bowl5/F Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon, South Tower (Siam BTS Station)

June 2012 3

Voyageur4

Chamber News

The TCCC’s 16th Business Excel-lence Awards Ceremony was star-studded affair as honorees included a TV star, a world-fa-mous hotel, a hill-tribe coffee company, a state-of-the-art skin clinic and one of the most beloved members of the Thai-Canadian business community.

These awards serve as an opportunity to remind us of the many great peo-ple and companies that are part of our small, yet very dynamic, chamber

of commerce. The members we recognized on this night are clear examples of why suc-cess always comes to those organizations and individuals who possess a strong belief and passion for their pursuits. This year’s keynote speaker Dr. Sirilak-sana Khoman, Advisor to Thailand’s National Anti-Corruption Commission, has demon-strated this same dynamic spirit in her long, hard fought battle against corruption. We thank Dr. Khoman for supporting this year’s Business Excellence Awards ceremony and for delivering a compelling case for the busi-

ness community’s support in the fight against corruption. In presenting the Chamber’s “Business Stars” of 2011, the TCCC’s Executive Board played a leading role with Mr. Derek van Pelt serving as the evening’s Master of Ceremo-nies and TCCC board members and advisors Surachit (Art) Chanovan, John Stevens, Sran-yoo Chanate, and Peter van Haren serving as individual award presenters. In kicking off the evening, TCCC President Peter van Haren presented bronze “Appreciation Plaques” to three of the Chamber’s retired Executive Board members: Kobsak Duangee - Scotiabank VP & Country Head; Alan Ng – President & CEO of Manulife Insurance (Thailand); and Geoff McIntyre – MD of Southeast Asia Exploration & Mining Company. The Chamber thanked all three for their contributions in helping to ensure the ongoing success of the TCCC. The first BEA honor of the evening was the “Best New Company” of 2011 and it was presented by Art Chanovan, TCCC Board Advisor and MD of Success Canada-Thailand. This award recognizes a company that has demonstrated outstanding growth & innovation during its first few years of opera-tion. As a new, innovative and high-tech skin

treatment company offering the highest levels of treatment and service in its sector, the TCCC was honored to present Dr. Rujirot Vongthongsri’s Genesis Skin Klinik with “Best New Company” of 2011.

Art Chanovan presenting “Best New Company” Award of 2011 to Dr. Rouge, MD of Genesis Skin Klinik

After years of intensive studies in Europe and the US, 10 years of practice within Bangkok’s most renowned hospitals, including Bumrun-grad International and BNH, and certification from the American Board of Cosmetic Laser Surgery and Esthetic Medicine, Dr. Rujirot Vongthongsri, decided it was time to pursue her passion to create an industry leading skin clinic.

TCCC’s 16th Business Excellence A

BEA Winners Group Photo: (L-R) Derek van Pelt- TCCC VP, Dr. Rouge, Founder - Genesis Skin Klinik, Sam Cohen, TCCC Founder, Dan Frazier, Director - Smiling Albino, Robert O’Kennedy, Director Sales & Marketing of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. Khun Pornprapa Bun-musik, General Manager - Doi Chaang Coffee Co., John M. Darch, Chairman - Doi Chaang Coffee Co. , Khun Wicha Promyong, President – Doi Chaang Coffee Co. and Peter van Haren, TCCC President.

June 2012 5

Chamber News

Her vision called for a private clinic where patients would feel comfortable and relaxed while receiving treatments with the benefit of cutting-edge technology and in September 2010, Genesis Skin Klinik was finally born. The clean and beautiful minimalist design of her clinic instantly communicates that you have entered a special place that reflects her personal passion for beauty and perfection. In achieving her goal, Dr. Vongthongsri teamed up with other renowned dermatolo-gists and cosmetic surgeons who shared her vision and work ethic. This “Dream Team” and their combined expertise allow the clinic to carry-out very sophisticated procedures such as the Body Design System and Zero G Signature, as well as Stem Cell Therapy. Genesis also offers a wide range of other menu-based skin treatments, which can be tailored to meet a patient’s needs, including state-of-the-art skin rejuvenation treatments and face & body contouring procedures. Since its launch, the clinic has created a “buzz” within Thailand’s skin industry, not only by differentiating itself with its unique services, but also due to its ability to effectively leverage the latest medical and treatment technolo-gies. Genesis also has new initiatives lined up for the future, including the creation of a state-of-the-art laboratory where additional cutting-edge rejuvenation techniques will be developed and perfected to meet its high standards. The second BEA honor of the evening was presented by Mr. John Stevens, TCCC Board Member & Managing Director of Car-rot Rewards Co. Ltd. John rewarded the “Most Promising Young Entrepreneur” of 2011, an honor given to an individual who demonstrated significant results in the Thai market over the past year as a result of new products and services or due to an innovative and creative way of managing and operating his venture. The winner in this category was the highly energetic, Daniel Fraser. Daniel is the co-founder and co-owner of Smiling Albino, an upscale adventure travel company headquartered in Bangkok. Dan is also the television host of the popular weekly Thai TV show “Long Krung”. During 2011, both of Dan’s undertakings achieved significant success. With an office staff of 10, Smiling Albino had grown signifi-cantly over the past year and now operates in 5 countries including Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and Nepal. Furthermore, a very unique entrepreneurial accomplishment came along in March 2011 when he began filming a new television series for Thai PBS called “Long Krung”, or “Fascination Street”, in English. The dual word play of the title depicts a Westerner who is both lost in the Kingdom, but fascinated by his discoveries. The result is a very raw, unrehearsed personal diary of a life in Thailand, explor-

ing Thai phenomena from superstition, to food, to festivals, to contemporary issues like culture, family values, the environment and society. The show is shot depicting Dan as the sole cameraman and explorer, conducted entirely in the Thai language, and virtually unrehearsed. In essence, it is a real-time travel diary from episode-to-episode as Daniel discovers Thailand and explains it to his viewers from a Canadian perspective. In shooting Long Krung, Dan has inter-viewed some of Thailand’s most famous, and least-known characters, ranging from celebrity monks, kick boxers, writers and musicians, to the homeless, or to commu-nity heroes, conservationists, taxi drivers, fisherman, farmers and foodies. Long Krung started as a one-season experiment, then was extended to two, then three, and has recently been confirmed for a fourth season on prime time TV with Thai PBS Channel 6. The show airs on Sundays starting at 6:30 pm and Daniel and Long Krung have received extensive media coverage. What started as an experiment quickly became a full-scale media venture. To date, the public response to the show has been favorable and generally open to the idea of a Canadian providing candid commentary on all things Thai. The unbiased and curious na-ture of the Long Krung TV diaries has raised great discussion in Thai circles and Thai media. What Long Krung has touched on is that… the issues that matter to a Canadians also matter to Thais; as such, Long Krung has become a fun, innocent, and devoted voice to the preservation of what is great about the country we all live in. It takes a very special person with a great passion to move to a foreign land, to enthusiastically learn and embrace its culture and language, and then to move on to host a successful local TV show. On this night, we were truly honoured to recognize Daniel for not only being the Chamber’s “Most Promis-ing Young Entrepreneur” of 2011, but also for being a great Ambassador of Canada.

John Stevens presenting “Best YoungEntrepreneur” Award of 2011 to Daniel Frazer

The third award of the evening was for “Best Hospitality Services” which was presented by Sranyoo Chanate, TCCC Board Member and CEO of Kluaynamthai Hospital. The “Best Hospitality Services” award recognizes a hospitality service sector com-pany that best demonstrates the customer is the core focus of its business and consistently deploys its resources to achieve continuous improvement in meeting their needs. In this category, we were delighted to present to a very special company, The Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Since opening her doors in 1876, the Oriental Hotel has experienced many historic transformations from being a small 16-room property to its current 393 rooms. From being war ravaged to being hit hard by extensive flooding whenever the Chao Phraya River breaks its banks, the Oriental has always stood its ground due to its celebrated history and many loyal customers who keep return-ing to experience her outstanding hospitality. Her history also runs deep with many of the world’s most celebrated writers such as Joseph Conrad, Noel Coward, Ian Fleming, William Golding, James Michener, Iris Mur-doch, V.S. Naipaul, John Steinbeck, Gore Vidal, and Tennessee Williams, to name a few, who have claimed her as their “home away from home”. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group took over management of the Oriental in 1973. Af-ter a multi-million dollar renovation that made it one of the most luxurious hotel properties in the world, the Oriental was finally rebranded in 2008. As a luxury five-star hotel property of its age, the Oriental manages to seamlessly combine the best of the old with the best of the new. However, the real charm of the Oriental is her ability to stay with you… long after you have left. The genuine warmth and hospitality of this hotel and its staff lingers on like an afterglow. It’s always people that make the differ-ence in the hospitality industry and the Orien-tal’s staff is a clear example of this philosophy. With its rich tradition and deep understanding of customer service, the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok recently launched a pioneering experiment called the “O-Zone Experience”. Best described as a “hotel within a hotel”, this newly renovated space extends over the entire second floor of the hotel’s River Wing and contains all the elements of a real hotel. The difference however, is that it is solely dedicated to the employees. As well as being the first of its kind within the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, this staff facility aims to create a new benchmark in the hotel industry, and serves to further underline this grand hotel’s status as an employer of choice.

e Awards

Continued on page 6

Voyageur6

50% of the Canadian company. Since its launch in April 2007, Doi Chaang Coffee Co. has been growing and increasing its commitment to the farmers in Doi Chang Village. Doi Chaang Coffee is now sold by over 400 retailers in Canada and served in over 200 coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and universities. Prior to the relationship with the Canadian company, there was one small bean washing facility in the village and 200 acres of coffee plants. Currently, there are twelve washing stations and 8,000 acres of coffee plants, of which 3,000 acres currently produce cof-fee. Because coffee plants take five years to mature, production will continue to increase annually. Additionally, while the current yield is 1,000 tons/ per acre, it is expected to increase to 4,000 tons/per acre in the next two years. With the success of Doi Chaang Coffee the villagers’ lives have been improving. In Doi Chang Village, there is now running water, electricity, improved roads, a basic sewage system, a medical clinic and a small school. As self-sufficient and self-directed coffee producers, the Akha people of Doi Chang Village are now well positioned to maintain their heritage and cultural values, while providing economic stability and growth for their community. Many of the youth in the Doi Chang Village are also receiving higher levels of education and returning to the Doi Chang Village and their Akha roots to share in the prosperity of the coffee company. Each container of coffee that Doi Chaang Coffee Co. purchases from the farmers results in increased income for the Thai company. A container contains 37,400 pounds of coffee and results in approximately US$106,000 for the farmers. As Doi Chaang Coffee Co. continues to grow, more containers of cof-fee are being purchased from the farmers. In 2010, Doi Chaang Coffee Co. purchased five containers of green beans and in 2011, eight containers were purchased. In 2012, Doi Chaang Coffee Co. will purchase twelve containers of green beans and generate ap-proximately US$1,300,000 of guaranteed revenue for the farmers. By more than doubling the income gener-ated from green bean sales since 2010, the farmers have had the opportunity to further invest in their company and their future. Doi Chaang Coffee Co. is projecting to purchase at least 15 containers of green beans from the farmers in 2013, which will provide even more funds. In 2012, Doi Chaang Coffee Co. is partnering with 7-Eleven Canada in order to bring Doi Chaang Coffee across Canada. The marketing campaign that is evolving with the 7-Eleven’s partnership, calls for radio ads as well as in-store advertising. This partner-ship allows for increased awareness of Doi Chaang Coffee across Canada and increased sales, which also helps to further assist the villagers of Doi Chaang and its coffee farmers. As their business has evolved, the farmers

Sranyoo Chanate presenting “Best Hospitality” Award of 2011 to Robert O’Kennedy, Director Sales & Marketing of the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

Next up was the Chamber’s coveted “Com-pany of the Year” Award. This award is given to a company that has: 1.) demonstrated outstanding growth, innovative management, marketing, customer service, vision, strategic thinking and human resource development, 2.) achieved business excellence in its indus-try and 3.) contributed to social well-being. And, for 2011 that company was Doi Chaang Coffee Co. Prior to cultivating coffee, the Akha hill tribe of Doi Chang Village practiced slash and burn horticulture and cultivated opium. The villagers lived a nomadic lifestyle, because once resources were depleted in one area they were required to move to another to continue growing their opium crop. In this environment, many young people were mov-ing away from the village and relocating to cities to improve their lives. In 1983, the Akha hill tribe members of Doi Chang Village received Arabica plants and instructions on how to cultivate and process coffee as part of a Royal Initiative. For twenty years the farmers sold their beans independently and were paid minimal prices for their high quality beans. The farmers grew frustrated with the low prices they were receiving and united to create their own independent coffee company to bring their single-estate premium Arabica coffee to market. After a few years, the villagers were able to build their own facilities and successfully sell their coffee throughout Thailand and Asia. The farmers remained committed to selling their coffee as an exclusive single-estate, certified organic, Arabica coffee and approached John M. Darch to help them access the North American market. In order to properly recognize the amount of work the farmers put into their coffee beans, an equal partnership was created between the Canadian and Thai companies with the Canadians gifting 50% of their company to the Akha farmers of Doi Chang Village. The Canadian company agreed to fully fund the North American and European oper-ations and the Thai company would continue to be in charge of cultivating the beans and the Asian operations. The Canadian com-pany calls their relationship with the farmers “Beyond Fair Trade”, because the farmers are paid prices for their green beans in excess of those recommended by Fair Trade and own

Amongst other things, this new staff venue offers a unique contemporary design, a staff concierge and employee assistance program, a relaxation and entertainment area, a bilingual lending library, hi-tech meet-ing facilities, a restaurant branded “Café 48” complete with a retail “Kiosk 48”, as well as state-of-the-art locker rooms and resting facilities. As Jan Goessing, General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok has noted: “O-Zone is a platform supporting our unrelenting drive towards retaining and further enhancing the hotel’s employer of choice status within the hospitality industry. We recognize our em-ployees for being the most valuable asset in delivering a truly legendary guest experience. O-Zone further demonstrates the respect and importance we place in our staff members, by providing a sanctuary where they can interact freely and creatively with their peers.” The O-Zone branding is derived from a playful interpretation of three words: “Ozone”, standing for transparency, health and the environment; “O”, referencing the hotel’s unique culture and original historic name “The Oriental” and “Zone”, allowing for space assignments and innovation in design. Not simply a physical renovation, O-Zone is a testimony to the dedication and passion of the 1,300 individuals who call the Oriental their “home away from home”. Welcoming the staff to O-Zone is the “Hand on Frames” Exhibit. This select group of 48 plaster handprints showcases employees who have worked at the Oriental for the most number of years, totaling more than 1,700 years of loyalty and service com-mitment. As a leader in the hotel industry, the Oriental continues to honor those who are responsible for its legendary service and excellent customer relations. Students within the Oriental Hotel Ap-prenticeship Program have also been inte-grated into the O-Zone experience as part of their hands-on training. They are scheduled to assist in Café 48 and Kiosk 48, the staff concierge desk and lending library. Their inclusion in the O-Zone concept further dem-onstrates the importance that is being placed on practical training within the Oriental, which has been recognized for many years as the “Best Hotel in the World”. The Mandarin Oriental is proud of the fact that O-Zone provides its staff with facili-ties that are on par with real guest facilities, making this literally a “hotel within a hotel” experience for all. In the end, one never checks-in to sleep at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, you check-in to experience it. That is the timeless charm of the “Grand Old Dame” of the Chao Phraya …you can always count on her to deliver “Oriental” hospitality. Given the Oriental’s legendary hospitality services and its passion for being a pioneer-ing and transformational force in the luxury hotel sector, the TCCC was honored to rec-ognize Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok with its “Best Hospitality Services” Award for 2011.

Chamber News

June 2012 7

in Doi Chaang Village created the Doi Chaang Academy of Coffee with their own resources. Farmers who attend the academy learn valu-able skills such as plant selection, harvesting techniques, sustainable coffee production, and wealth management. There have been over 500 farmers educated at the academy and this has further enhanced the village’s productivity. The Doi Chaang Coffee Co. is also work-ing towards establishing the Doi Chaang Coffee Foundation. The foundation will focus on building a ten classroom school, as well as dormitories for children who do not have a stable home life or live far away. There can be up to 400 children attending the school including children from Doi Chang Village and other surrounding rural communities. Once the school is completed, the foundation will then work towards building a larger medical clinic and preserving the traditional Akha way of life. Given these accomplishments, it was our great honor to recognize Doi Chaang Coffee as TCCC’s “Company of the Year” for 2011.

Peter van Haren presenting the “Company of the Year” Award 2011 to John Darch, Pornprapa Bunmusik and Wicha Promyong of the Doi Chang Coffee Company

Recognizing A Legend

Finishing off the evening, Derek van Pelt then moved to introduced a new and very significant event, that being the launch of the TCCC’s “Hall of Fame”. The Hall of Fame was established this year by the Executive Board to honour the Chamber’s key found-ers and members who have made significant contributions to the formation, development and growth of the Chamber and provided support to advancing Thai-Canadian relations over the years. Derek called up Sean Brady, the TCCC’s Founding President, to deliver the initial “Hall of Fame” induction presentation for none other than… Mr. Sam Cohen.

Sean Brady presiding over Sam Cohen’s “TCCC Hall of Fame” induction ceremony

Backgrounder on the BEA’s Keynote Speaker, Dr. Sirilaksana Khoman

Dr. Khoman is Adjunct Professor of Economics at Thammasat University and Advisor to the Commissioner at the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Before joining the NACC she was Dean of the Faculty of Economics, Thammasat University. She received her Bachelor and Master’s degree in Economics from the Australian National University, her Ph.D in Economics from the University of Hawaii, and a Certificate in International Trade Regulation from Harvard Law School. She has done extensive work for several international organisations in-cluding the World Bank, U.N.ESCAP, W.H.O., UNCTAD, and the Asian De-velopment Bank. Her areas of research are interna-tional trade, health economics, the eco-nomics of education, public policy, and currently the Economics of Corruption. She has taught at the Australian National University, the United Nations University in Tokyo, and the University of Oregon, U.S.A. Please contact the TCCC’s Execu-tive Director, it you are interested in hav-ing Dr. Sirilaksana Khoman to speak to your organization.

Diamond Sponsors:___________________

Emerald Sponsors:_____________________

Without the generous support of our sponsoring companies, it would not be possible to conduct this annual awards ceremony. The Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel was a gracious host, helping us stage and deliver a quality evening for all of this year’s BEA participants. The TCCC wishes to recognize this event’s key sponsors. First, our “Diamond Sponsors”, including RIM/ BlackBerry, the Early Learning Centre Family of Schools, LEVCO / Quality Control Services and Mazars. Then, our “Emerald Sponsors” represented by Bangkok Hospital, BNH Hospital, Deloitte, Manulife Insurance, Thana-chart Bank, SNC-LAVALIN and PTTEP.

See BEA event photos on page 10 - 11

After listening to Sean’s sincere but often hu-morous presentation, it was clear there was a great love and respect for an old friend that was shared by all who were present on this night. And, without question, Sam’s jersey retirement ceremony was the appropriate way to close this year’s event. We congratulate Sam for all of his con-tributions over the many years. It was a long overdue and well-deserved recognition night for a man who has given so much to the local Canadian community. For more on “Sam Cohen - The Legend”, please take time to read Sam’s life story on pages 12 & 14 of this month’s Voyageur.

(L-R) Sam Cohen, Sumon Cohen & Sean Brady

Chamber News

TCCC Business Excellence Awards Gala Dinner is proudly sponsored by:

Sponsor Recognition

Voyageur10

TCCC’s 16th Business Excellence AChamber News

June 2012 11

Open: Monday - Saturday from 10.30am to 8pm

160/1 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110 Thailand

On the main road near Soi 8, in front of NANA BTS Station

Tel: (66-2) 253 8379 / (66-2) 253 8389 E-mail: rajas@ksc.th.com

www.rajasfashions.com www.facebook.com/rajasfashions

W E ’ R E M OV I N G S O O NTO A B I G G E R, B E T T E R,

B R I G H T E R V E N U E .

At the footsteps of Nana BTS station. Step down and step

right in. Raja’s will have more lounge areas to browse your tailoring

styles comfortably with additional fitting rooms. A bright modern

space, its also attached to our On8 Hotel and Cafe, so grab

a great bite or beverage while visiting.

T H E SA M E R A JA S E X P E R I E N C E

D R E S S S H A R P - LO O K S H A R P - F E E L S H A R P

Opening early August, 2012

ON8HOTEL

RAJASFASHIONS

NEWLOCATION

PA

CIF

ICP

LA

CE

NANAHOTEL

LA

ND

MA

RK

HO

TE

L

CH

UW

ITG

AR

DE

N

NANASTATION

OLD RAJAS

LOCATION

SO

I 3

SO

I 4

(N

AN

A)

SO

I 6

SO

I 8

SO

I 10

SO

I 5

SO

I 11

SO

I 13

SO

I 15

SUKHUMVIT ROAD

EX

PR

ES

SW

AY

Canada-Asia NewsSource: Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada

DFAIT Announces Energy and Clean Tech Sector Trade Mission to the Philippines and Thailand

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT) is organizing a Canada Trade Mission, focused on the energy and clean tech sectors, to Manila, the Philippines and Bangkok, Thailand from August 26-31, 2012. The mission will be led by Minister of International Trade and Minister for the Asia-Pacific Gateway, Ed Fast. DFAIT is encouraging the participation of Canadian suppliers of products, technologies and services, as well as those looking to invest in or support energy and clean tech projects in Southeast Asia. For more information, see http://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/eng/trade-missions/document.jsp?did=132103. Information summarized from: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada

Pan Orient Energy Corp Sells its Thai Subsidiary

Pan Orient Energy Corp., a Calgary-based oil and gas exploration company, announced that it has completed the sale of its subsidiary, Pan Orient Energy (Thailand) Ltd. (POET). POET holds Pan Orient’s 60% interest in Concession SW1 in Thailand and, indirectly through POET’s subsidiary Pan Orient Resources (Thailand) Ltd., holds Pan Orient’s 60% interest in Concessions L44/43 and L33/43 in Thailand, for US$170 million plus US$9 million for working capital and other adjustments. Net proceeds after the release of escrow amounts, and net of costs, advisory fee and income tax are expected to be approximately US$162 million. Pan Orient continues to hold its other interests in Thailand.

Information summarized from: Pan Orient Energy Corp. Press Release

Canada-Asia News is a selection of top stories complied and summarized by the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada from leading English-language newspapers. For general information on APFC publi-cations, call (604) 684-5986, Fax: (604) 681-1370. Email: info@asiapacific.ca or visit the website: www.asiapacific.ca APF Canada is funded by the Government of Canada and the Government of British Columbia.

e Awards Chamber News

Voyageur12

Member Profile

By Scott Murray (April 1998)

Sam Cohen doesn’t really need any introduction. He is probably the best known and the best loved member of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce. Indeed, if the TCCC had a favorite cham-ber member award Sam Cohen would have won that award as many times as Bobby Orr won the James Norris trophy.

Sam was born in Calgary, Alberta on 24 Aug 1926. His family was based in southern Alberta and was quite active in farming, ranching, cattle

feeding, and raising sheep. During WWII, Sam was a cadet instructor and taught sailing on Chestermire Lake, an irrigation lake east of Calgary. Sam trained high school students so that by the time they hit the armed forces they had a trade. After the War, Sam was awarded a schol-arship to Royal Rhodes, Canada’s now de-funct Annapolis. But he didn’t want to devote five years of his life to the Navy so he went to the University of Oklahoma at Norman to study petroleum engineering instead. “During the first courses I took in geology when they were talking about my mountains, my foothills, and how they got that way I became intrigued with geology so I switched over to study it. My first wife , Gea, who was from a small town in Oklahoma called Hugo, and I met as undergrads then I went on to graduate school, and she went on to having children.” “My first job in the oil business came with an America oil company from Wichita, Kansas, and I worked in Oklahoma and Texas. Shortly after Leduc was discovered the company opened up a Calgary office and I was sent back to Alberta where I spent about four years working as a geologist.” “But my family business was expanding rapidly so my dad said: “Sonny… Come home, we need you”. I went home and worked with my brother and father. We had an airplane to cover our territory which stretched from Youngstown to Pollockville and down to Pincher Creek. I learned to fly and obtained all the licenses that were required: multi-engine, night endorsements, and centerline thrust.” “As a result, I think, my eldest son became a pilot and he’s been with Canadian Airlines for 25 years. Because of his seniority, he still resides in Lethbridge and he commutes to work in either Toronto or wherever his work

requires.” Sam gradually developed a small agro-industrial base on a two section irrigated farm in Vauxhall, Alberta. Sam’s neighbors were having difficulty with their crop rotation so he came up with the idea of dehydrating alfalfa for a source of vitamin A for livestock industry. That later expanded into a partner-ship with an acquaintance of his from Calgary, Bill Davids, in the pet food business which was fortuitous because Canadian Packers, Swifts, and Canadian Dressed Meats had all built packing plants in Lethbridge. This provided a huge source of raw material for the pet food industry. So for the next sixteen years (1956-72), Sam was involved mostly in the manufacturing of pet food and running his company called Red Top Dog Food. Sam and his brother, Emmanuel, invested their savings from the alfalfa dehydrating plant into two hotels in Watertown Lakes National Park, and their families ran the two summer-time operations. Red Top Dog Food was then sold to Stan-dard Brands. Under the agreement of sale, Sam’s partner was left to run the company in Calgary, while Sam move to Montreal so he bought his own meat company which he ended up selling to his partners, Alex Free-burg and Mike Nortik, a couple of years later. Sam ended up financially able to do what he wanted which was to “re-become a geologist after twenty-seven years of not being one.” Sam went back to Calgary where he had a condo that he had bought for his daughter to finish university from, and he went to the University of Calgary and refreshed his memory of geological things. “I borrowed books and sat by the pool for two months, and then I answered an ad in the paper and one week later I was working for Union Oil (which in 1984 became Unocal) as a geologist. They were very good to me. They

let me take short courses to upgrade, and they helped me with my revival as a geolo-gist. In 1982, I transferred to the international division. That is when I first come here (1 Feb 82) to help develop the gas fields in the Gulf of Thailand.” The reason Sam transferred to the in-ternational division was because in 1981 he was going to every university across Canada recruiting geologists, geophysicists, and engineers for Union Oil. When Sam got to Halifax, the Calgary office called him saying, “Continue to interview, but don’t hire anyone” because Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau had nationalized the oil industry by putting Petro Canada in every concession being granted in Canada. This upset Sam greatly who thought this was a very unwise thing to do. Thailand was coming on stream very quickly and when Sam got here he was told that he was going to be a petro physicist. In 1986, during a slowdown in the oil industry half of the expats were sent back to their country of origin. So Sam was sent home where six months later Unocal initiated a new retirement age of 60 which Sam happened to be at that time (Sam says Unocal was very good with money and shares.) Sam actually retired for only one week-end though because the Monday after he was laid off he went over to the dreaded Petro Canada and got a job there. They were reinterpreting a seismic survey that Trudeau had given Thailand. Sam as it turns out was the only geologist in Calgary who knew anything about Thailand. So for six months Sam helped prepare the report, which was then presented to delegates of the PTT. They asked for help to develop an exploration com-pany to do these things themselves. So the Canadian Government through PCTAC (Petro Canada International Assistance Campaign) funded Sam on a two year contract to help set up the Exploration and Production side of the PTT (PTT-EP). When his contract finished, Sam decided he had enough of Canada’s bitter cold so he decided he would stay in Thailand for the duration (Don’t kid yourself, he’ll be here longer than any of us). “I always had thought that the Caribbean was a sailor’s paradise but I discovered the same conditions in Thailand but on top of that this country had beautiful, gentle and kind people.” “When I came back I recognized I needed to become involved in things very quickly because there was no guarantee as to how long I would be here, so I very quickly joined three organizations which put me in touch

The Legend… Sam CohenRevisiting A Life Well Lived.

Continued on page 14

Voyageur14

Is there a special initiative that Sam has launched that he is the most proud of? “The Canadian Fund, is a fund that the Canadian Ambassador has access to, and together with funds raised by the TCCC we built and furnished a Garment Factory in Phayao, a town that is known for sending a large num-ber of women into sex trade. The gratitude we receive from the women when we opened the factory was really heartwarming.” Sam was the Government of Alberta representative in Thailand for three years (Sean Brady held the same position for the government of Ontario during that time). He continues to do supportive work for Alberta Energy. A lot of people ask Sam for advice. His business ethos is the three P’s – patience, perseverance, and presence. “Follow them, and you will do ok in Thailand,” he says. I titled this article ‘A Life Well Lived,’ but I’m not writing Sam Cohen’s epitaph here. He‘s still kicking, and he’s still kick starting motorcycle. Sam recently drove a 1300cc Harley from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son and back again. He shows no signs of slowing up, and he is still an inspiration to all those around him. Feb 1 of this year marked Sam’s twenty-eighth year in Thailand. On May 30, 2012, Sam Cohen became the first inductee into the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s “Hall of Fame”.

Sean Brady presenting Sam Cohen with the TCCC’s Hall of Fame Charter Inductee Plaque

Sam’s jersey being retired during this year’s BEA “Hall of Fame” Ceremony

concerns and the problems of the foreign community. At Sam’s request PM Chuan established a committee to listen foreign grievances. “We’d have many meetings and get together to talk about the problems like the alien business laws, visas, and customs hassles. Another one of the things I like about Thailand is the access to government that you have here. It is very easy to see anyone at any level of government (well maybe for Sam).” Sam was married to Gea for 31 years. They were divorce fifteen year ago. Sam has three kids: Gil 47, the pilot who has one daughter and lives in Lertbridge; Don 46, a phys-ed instructor who lives in Nanaimo and is one of the Canada’s best sea kayakers; and Chari, 45, who has four kids, and is married to an architect and lives in Toronto. Sam met his second wife, Sumonman Kulthanachoreon at a function given by the Australian embassy (her first name means peace because she was born on the day that the Japanese sur-rendered during WWII). Craig Stewart, Unocal’s Pailin Asset Chief, who describes Cohen as a father figure in his life, says “He’s happy no matter what’s happening. He has a real thirst for life. He’s interested in everyone and everybody. He re-ally likes people, and he thrives on entertain-ing people. He loves showing people around Thailand.” I couldn’t leave Sam, a man that so many admire, without asking him about a few of the people he admires most. “I have a true high regard for the King and his involvement with his people and the example he sets. He travels throughout the country and as he travels he takes people with him who have skills that are needed in the areas he is travelling to.” “I admire Khun Anand Panyarachun, a real statesman, even though he was solely responsible for canceling the Lavalin sky train project, which has never been satisfactorily explained to me. He canceled the project unilaterally just days before it was to be final-izes probably because of bad advice. I also admire Dr. Narin Voravut who worked with me in Bangkok General Hospital. He spent seven years at Anderson Cancer Clinic in Texas, and he has set up his on research center at Chulalongkorn Hospital. He’s an extremely dedicated physician who really loves his country.”

Sam Cohen, TCCC’s 1st “Hall of Fame” Inductee

with a lot of people which I’ve enjoyed over the sixteen years I’ve been here: the Royal Varuna Yacht Club (RVYC), the British Club, and the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand.” While with the RVYC he became involved with the King’s cup Regatta in Phuket and for ten years he was secretary of the organizing committee for that event. In September of 1995, the usually op-timistic Cohen hit a low point as he was diagnosed with non-Hodgins lymphoma. When he first got the news Sam was quite despondent and almost resigned to cashing in his ticket, but two good men urged him to have faith, and battle on. Those men, Dr. Singh of Bangkok General Hospital, and Dr. Prasert Osoth-thong who owns Bangkok Airways and Samui Airport, were a source of great inspiration to Sam. Sam took chemotherapy for a year and while receiving his treatments he says he even surprise himself. “I had access to a direct phone line and fax machine on my floor at the Bangkok General Hospital so I could keep in contact with what was going on, and who was doing what. I’m happiest when I’m busy and making things happen. Khun Kiat Suttheeamorn was kind enough to step in to take over my remaining months as president of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce.” The day that Sam got out of the hospital he went down to Sattahip as an advisor to one of Dr. Prasert’s companies. On the way down, Sam drove with a man who had a hacking cough. Two days later Sam dragged himself into the hospital again and was diagnosed with double pneumonia and was laid up for a further six weeks. But Sam recovered again and was right back at it.

Sam Cohen, TCCC President – 1994 to 1995

Sam is one of the founding members of the Chamber. It used to be called the Canadian Club, and it would meet at the Canadian Embassy once or twice a month. “One of the parts I enjoyed most,” he recalls, “was the Foreign Chambers Coordinating Committee where representatives from every chamber would meet every month acting on behalf of the foreign community in relations with the Thai government. I chaired that organization for a couple of years and I got to meet and know everyone in foreign community”. Sam helped establish linkages with the Thai government so that it could hear the

Member Profile