Regreening Bangkok for a sustainable future

One Million Trees aims to create a greener, healthier future for the citizens of Bangkok. It will also help Thailand reach its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions, in line with its pledges under the Paris Climate Accords and COP 26.

The Queen’s Flowers planted by AGS were selected for their resilience and their ability to purify the surrounding air. These spectacular trees, which burst into purple-pink flowers in summer, are not just beautiful, but are particularly effective at capturing particulate matter – the fine dust that is a ubiquitous feature of polluted city air.

Together with plantations of rare, endangered Mahogany and Iron Wood trees and bird-friendly Peacock Flower and Burma Padauk, AGS’s Queen’s Flowers are creating smog-filtering forests for the future – green havens for humans and animal alike.

The importance of sustainable business

 

When AGS Thailand General Manager Kathy Scalabre learned about the project, she immediately saw a synergy with AGS’s commitment to responsible business practices.

The group is a long-time supporter of Planète Urgence, an NGO that plants trees in deforested areas vulnerable to climate change in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect biodiversity and promote local socio-economic development. By the end of 2022, AGS had sponsored the planting of more than 316 000 trees in large-scale projects. These included the restoration of mangrove forests in Indonesia and the Tapia forests of Madagascar.

“Our team is proud to be a part of the One Million Trees initiative. It fits seamlessly into our ethos as a group, which is to do business sustainably and support our local communities.”

Take the first step towards a smooth and sustainable move by contacting AGS for a quote today.

British Club Bangkok

Welcoming members from any country, this non-political and non-denominational association is very popular with Bangkok’s English-speaking community, helping newcomers to adapt to life in Thailand. Members can register for events and outings, participate in lunches and drinks, and benefit from special rates with the association’s partners.

Bangkok accueil serves a similar function for French-speaking expatriates: https://www.bangkokaccueil.com/  

Institutional websites

Government website
Website of the Thai monarchy
Embassies listing
Weather forecast

“When expatriates arrive in Thailand, they need accurate local information to integrate into the community,” says Kathy Scalabre, AGS Thailand General Manager.

Chambers of commerce in Thailand

The Franco-Thai Chamber of Commerce, of which AGS has been a member for many years:
5th Floor, Kian Gwan House III, 152 Wireless Road,
Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 THAILAND
Tel: 66 (0) 2650 9613, Fax: 66 (0) 2650 9739
Email: contact@francothaicc.com
President: Thomas Sanchez: president@francothaicc.com 

Clubs and associations

https://www.angloinfo.com/bangkok/directory/bangkok-clubs-associations

The American Women’s Club of Thailand (AWC) connects local expatriate women of all nationalities. Kathy Scalabre, AGS Thailand General Manager, is the current president of the AWC.

“Our involvement in local associations allows AGS to be a key player in mobility in Thailand and throughout the world, particularly for expatriates,” says Kathy Scalabre.

Local news websites

Thailand is home to multiple independent English-language news websites. The oldest (and largest) is the Bangkok Post, which started life as a print newspaper in 1946. In second place is The Thaiger. Launched in 2018, this online-only publication, is touted as the country’s fastest growing national news website.

For the news in French, visit the Gavroche Thaïlande website

“Being able to read information in your home language when you arrive and as you settle in Thailand makes it easier to integrate the expatriate community,” explains Kathy Scalabre.

Books on Thailand

A history of Thailand, by Chris Baker & Pasuk Phongpaichit. The authors explain how the country evolved from a small, rural society of peasants to an urban society populated mainly by migrants from southern China.

Anna and the King, by Margaret Landon. The novel tells the story of Anna Leonowens, a young English widow, who is hired by the Siamese King Mongkut (Rama IV) to tutor his many children, including the eleven-year-old Prince Chulalongkorn, the future King Rama V. Encouraged by the king, she influenced the future monarch in a positive way. The novel was later turned into a movie starring Jodie Foster.

A prayer before Dawn: A Nightmare in Thailand, by Billy Moore. This book tells the true story of one man’s struggle to survive inside Klong Prem prison in Bangkok.

Another Bangkok: Reflections on the City, by Alex Kerr. Bangkok may be one of Asia’s most extraordinary cities, but it is also one of the most confusing. Alex Kerr has spent more than 30 years in the city and tells its story through secret corners, great contemporary artists, and the fusion of modern and traditional culture.

For French readers, the books of Eugenie Merieau – Preconceived Ideas about Thailand and The Thai People – are excellent introductions to the country.

Planning a move to Thailand? Contact us today!

An industry legend, 79-year old Ashkenazy senior has reduced his public performances over recent years, and hasn’t visited Thailand in decades. When AGS Group Chairman, Alain Taïeb heard of Ashkenazy’s anticipated performance in Bangkok, he immediately agreed to get involved.

The vibrant classical music scene in Bangkok has expanded progressively, attracting both expat and young enthusiasts. In partnership with the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra (BGO) and TAYS Musical, AGS Movers Thailand was a key driver in the promotion of the concert especially amongst French expatriates.

It was the first time that AGS Movers Thailand sponsored an event of this calibre and, due to its involvement, the branch was able to offer its dedicated clients complimentary tickets to the event. The memorable evening will remain etched into the minds of the entire AGS Movers Thailand team and its clients.

Charles Baudart
CEO
AGS Movers France

On 1 November 2014 Charles Baudart was appointed as the CEO of SOFDI / AGS Movers Paris, and has assumed the position of President of the AGS branch network in metropolitan France. He takes over this role from Benoît de Moncuit.

We wish to warmly thank Benoît for his commitment to the Group.

Through this appointment, Charles benefits from a great opportunity involving interesting challenges in a very competitive and commercial setting. His international profile will be a real asset for AGS’ France network.

Charles achieved an exemplary career progression in the Group, demonstrating our shareholders’ deep commitment to developing younger generations’ potential.

Joining AGS’ Romania branch in June 2008 as a V.I.E. (International Volunteer Program) dedicated to business development, Charles achieved his mission effectively and was soon offered a position as AGS Bucharest’s Sales Manager from August 2010 onwards.

As a result of his commitment to development and the success of his engagements, Charles’ name immediately came up again when looking for a Network Director’s assistant for AGS’ European network in March 2012.

One and a half years later, he took on the direction of the European network and occupied this position since September 2013, participating in external growth and branch development projects on a very competitive continent.

Charles has always been passionate about the international sector, and this is why he participated as a member of the AGS Group’s delegations at international removals conventions in the USA.

He therefore benefits from in-depth knowledge of the agents’ world, AGS’ partners around the world and a vital web of relations in our industry.

Daniel Bried
Branch Manager
AGS Movers Toulouse and AGS Movers Carcassonne

A decision was taken to merge the business operations and sales area of the AGS Toulouse and AGS Carcassonne branches in France. This is due to their geographical proximity and to maximize their operation and the potential for business development in this area.

Daniel Bried, who has been with the AGS Group since December 1998 as Branch Manager for AGS Carcassonne, has been responsible for the joint management of these two branches as of November 3.

Andro du Plessis
Branch Manager
AGS Movers Cape Town

Appointed on 1 November 2014 as the Branch Manager for AGS Movers Cape Town, Andro du Plessis takes over this role from Anton Coetzee.

After studying Logistics Management at Stellenbosch University, Andro was employed in a logistical cost calculation position for a road construction company in Namibia, and later as a Logistical Manager for outdoor events organised by a prestigious sports marketing and events company in Stellenbosch.

He joined AGS’ Trainee Manager Programme at AGS Movers Cape Town in January 2014, and participated in this until his current appointment.

“I am a hands-on manager who strives to empower my staff through good leadership and open channels of communication,”

Andro says of his management style.

“My main focus areas are sales and operations.”

He also looks forward to the challenges of his Branch Manager position, adding:

“AGS Movers Cape Town is a very exciting branch, with vibrant and knowledgeable staff, that can only grow from strength to strength.”

Ewen Extier
Branch Manager
AGS Movers Prague

A French National having completed his Masters of Management and Organisation with the Business School of Lyon 3 University, Ewen’s first position was as an intern with Air France. After this he relocated to the Czech Republic to take up the role of Development Manager with Shantako.

He has remained in the Czech Republic, and worked for the French Embassy’s Economic and Trade Office as a Business Development Manager; with Exapro as Operations Manager and – before joining the AGS Group – as Head of Infrastructure with Ubifrance.

Goal-oriented with strong networking and business facilitation skills, Ewen joined the AGS Group as Branch Manager for AGS Prague with effect from November 2.

Ewen is particularly enthused to be part of such a reputable group as AGS with its unique corporate spirit, and he is looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that this position holds.

Elliot McMahon
Branch Manager
AGS Movers Manila

Elliot joined the AGS Group in February 2013 as a Trainee Branch Manager based out of AGS Movers Hong Kong.

After having undergone intensive training and gaining experience in diverse branches across the AGS Movers network, Elliot assumed the position of Branch Manager for AGS Movers Manila with effect from 1 November 2014.

Holding a BA Honors Degree in Business Studies, Elliot coupled his learning with practical application in the world of business since 2004. He has experience in companies like Movers Brisbane, The Rodgers Partnership and Hamptons International in roles involving management and business development.

Just before joining the AGS Group, he consulted in asset management for a property company in Bangkok.

A British National, Elliot describes himself as a focused and innovative worker consistently gaining results. He still holds a passion for asset management and investment, which he pursues as hobbies in his spare time.

Elliot looks forward to directly applying himself and his skills to a specific branch, and being a part of AGS Movers as well as the group’s extended networks.

Inspired by the African model, this tournament aims to promote soccer and enhance links and partnerships between French schools in Asia.

This year, more than 160 budding footballers gathered in Shanghai from eight different French high schools (Bangkok, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Phnom Penh and Tokyo).

All participants were able to discover Shanghai during this sunny weekend and make new friends around the game of football.

The tournament host, Shanghai High School, won the tournament.

AGS International Movers also supported the 1st Asian Cup event as a sponsor last year in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 3rd Asian French high school soccer tournament will take place in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam next year.

From 16 to 21 March 2009, 15 operational assistants from various AGS Europe branches attended a FIDI seminar on the management of removals.

Such a seminar allows participants to meet and network with the employees of FIDI member companies, in addition to expanding their knowledge on related topics.

Following this, the participants return to their respective branches, highly motivated and keen to share the training benefits with the rest of the team.

Participants could have previously been confronted with several problems linked to the management of removals in a number of ways: class-room taught, field visits (airport, packing warehouse, sea terminal, etc…), industry case study, role plays. During this seminar, twelve specific topics have been covered, from moving insurance and quality to professional packing, loading and secure storage to quotations and contracts.

Following this seminar, the first training session within the AGS Group took place on 23 and 24 March in Bucharest with most of these same employees for two days of additional training. The first day was dedicated to detailing the different stages of the administration of a move, and the second day was based on the operation and use of the NSI software, used as a tool and interface for our tracking system.

Thank you to Gratiela Lascu and to the AGS Movers Bucharest team for organising these two flawless training sessions. Their success has motivated head managers to repeat the operation in Cape Town in six months and in Bangkok early next year.

AGS wants to offer its customers the highest level of expertise and commitment, and therefore focuses on the intensive training of its employees.

Find out more: AGS Movers Staff Training