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Diplomatic ties between South African and Thailand were established in 1993. Shortly thereafter the then South African Ambassdor, HE Roel Goris, together with South Africans living in Thailand, Thai and other friends of South Africa in Bangkok, started a social club. The club, known as Jabulani, is currently flourishing with around 70 families as members. It became apparent that many business members of Jabulani were keen to promote business links between the two countries.
Growing business interest was also confirmed by the economic office of the South African Embassy and the idea of some sort of formal business group was born. With assistance from the South African Embassy, a few functions were held during 1994 to determine how much support would be generated and sustained for the formation of either a Business Association or a Chamber of Commerce. There was indeed great interest, not only from those with South African connections, but particularly from Thai companies’ eager to do business with South Africa. In the light of the great interest expressed by the business community in Thailand, the 18 members of the ad-hoc steering committee, which included the Economic Counsellor at the South African Embassy, decided to set up a Chamber of Commerce instead of a Business Association.
Legal proceedings to establish the Chamber were started in March 1995 and the South African-Thai Chamber of Commerce (SATCC) was registered on 9th June 1995. The first Annual General Meeting was held on the 25th September 1995. Ron Endley, a Thailand resident, was elected as the Chamber’s 1st president. We were now a fully functional and legal Foreign Chamber of Commerce in Thailand and our membership is growing. The Annual General Meeting held on the 15th October 1996 marked the beginning of the second year of the Chamber's existence, at which event we welcomed the newly appointed South African Ambassador to Thailand, HE John Janse van Rensbug. Since then the Chamber has continued to function and maintain a membership base up until today – 2005.
The Chamber acts as a contact, resource and information point for South African businesses in Thailand, South African businesses wishing to trade with or invest in Thailand - and similarly for Thai enterprises interested in doing business with or in South Africa.
It aims to provide quality and constructive input into the formulation of policies impacting on business (both by the Thai and South African Governments), and their administration, and to contribute to the development of relations between the two countries in all spheres.
The SATCC is a member of the Board of Trade of Thailand and its President is automatically a Director of the Board of Trade.
The Chamber maintains close relationships with other foreign chambers of commerce in Thailand and has active involvement in the Foreign Chamber of Commerce Coordinating Committee (FCCCC). The FCCCC handles multilateral issues of general concern to the foreign business community.
Committee and Administration
Policy for the Chamber is developed and directed by an elected committee of ten, headed by a President and two Vice Presidents.
Following the election of the General Committee in October of each year, portfolios of responsibility are assigned to each committee member. These are based on the measures considered necessary for the achievement of the Chamber's strategic goals and may vary from year to year, depending on the perceived need to change emphasis or implement improvement measures. In 2004-2005 these portfolio responsibilities are:
• Trade and Embassy Coordinator;
• Charities;
• Social Activities and Networking;
• Foreign Chambers of Commerce Coordinating Committee;
• Board of Trade Representative;
• Communications;
• Jabulani; and
• Fund Raising.
Services
The Chamber undertakes a range of services and activities including:
• Briefings - Either one on one or by small groups of members, for visiting Ministers, parliamentarians, business missions and individual businessmen or companies.
• Site Visits - A programme of site visits to showcase South African expertise at work in Thailand and to promote the activities of members.
• Speaker Programme - A series of breakfast briefings and luncheons, with speakers on both general and specific/technical topics.
• Publications - Production of an annual handbook and a monthly magazine.
• Social Functions - A bi monthly social networking gathering.
• SATCC Website - Provides information and contact points for members and other interested parties in Thailand and abroad.
Business Links
As well as the Board of Trade of Thailand and other foreign chambers of commerce, the SATCC maintains contact with institutions in Thailand such as the Board of Investment.
It also has links with various business organisations in South Africa and works closely with the South African Embassy in Bangkok and the South African Trade Commission on policy and promotional issues, as well as specific matters such as the Ambassador's Provincial Visits Programme.
Membership
The Chamber's membership comprises companies and businesses across a broad spectrum of industries and services. The Chamber is committed to the development of new investment in Thailand. Membership of the Chamber is open to individuals or organisations wishing to develop and promote business relationships between Thailand and South Africa.
Past Presidents
1995 – 2001 - Ron Endley
2001 – 2004 - John Kelly
2004 - present day - Maurice Bromley
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