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.

Known as the economic heart of Thailand, Bangkok is the preferred destination for expatriates looking for new opportunities. The bustling city is a world where modernity and tradition meet and home to 15.6 million people.

Pattaya is the largest seaside resort in Thailand and Southeast Asia. Located in the province of Chonburi on Bangkok Bay, 147km southeast of the capital, the city has more than 100 000 inhabitants.

The region from southeast Bangkok to Pattaya is one of the most dynamic in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The development of this “Eastern Economic Corridor” has resulted in substantial investments in infrastructure and in the ten sectors targeted by the Thai government. International companies are being encouraged to invest through a series of tax and non-tax incentives, drawing more expatriates to the region.

Koh Samui is a little piece of paradise. The island has many attractions, including verdant mountains, white sandy beaches, and a calm and soothing landscape. Having an airport on the island makes it easy to get around. Koh Samui is the third-largest city in the country, with a population of about 68 000.

In total, Thailand is home to approximately 150 000 expatriates.

Key holidays in Thailand

Songkran Festival also known as the water festival, Songkran is the most famous festival in Thailand. For three days, Thai people observe numerous rituals, including engaging in massive water battles in the streets. Many also take the opportunity to return to their families.
In 2022: 13-15 April

Makha Bucha Day is one of the most important festivals on the Buddhist calendar. Celebrated each year on the full moon of the third month of the lunar calendar, it commemorates two 2 500-year-old events in the life of Buddha. The first event took place exactly nine months after Lord Buddha attained enlightenment when 1 250 monks spontaneously came from all over the world to Weluwan Wannaram garden to hear him speak. He took the opportunity to share the principles of Buddhism: to do what is good, to cease all evil and to purify one’s mind. The second event took place 45 years later, when Buddha gave his final teachings and attained Nirvana. In the Pali language, “Makha” is the word for the third lunar month, while “bucha” means to worship.

Thai Buddhists also gather at sunset in local temples to participate in candlelight processions called Wian Tian.
In 2022: 16 February

Some useful Thai words

Hello = sà-wàt-dee

Thank you = kòp kun

Please = Kor

Goodbye = báai baai

Do you speak English = pôot ang-grìt dâai măi

Beware, an L at the end of a word is never pronounced.

Language
English is spoken, especially in Bangkok, but local pronunciation can be difficult to understand at first.

Beware, many street signs are not translated in English.

The school system

School is compulsory from the age of 6 in Thailand and every Thai child is entitled to 12 years of free education.

There are many international schools for expatriates:

American School of Bangkok

French International School of Bangkok

International School of Bangkok

St Andrews International School

KIS International School

Moving soon to Thailand?
Contact us!

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.

Peter Elliot
Branch Manager
AGS Movers Thailand

Having completed his education in the UK, Peter started his career in a family run construction business. Thereafter he worked for Sprint Communications UK and Ford as a Sales Executive. After a career break to travel South East Asia, Peter joined AGS Movers Thailand in March 2006 in Business Development and Sales, finally taking up the role of Sales and Marketing Manager for the branch in 2008, a position he has held ever since. Peter has for the past 2 years ranked as the top salesman in South East Asia and has consistently exceeded sales targets. He was appointed to the position of Branch Manager for AGS Movers Thailand as of 23 November 2013.

Chris Bracey
Branch Manager
AGS Movers Taiwan

Chris started his career in the UK as a Senior Sales and Marketing Executive for Sterling Alfa Romeo, relocating to Hong Kong in 2001 where he held a number of positions. In 2006 Chris settled in Singapore, working as a Senior Sales Consultant for Allied Pickfords. Chris describes himself as an individual with a clear vision for success who can execute projects, organise effectively and promote clear communication. Chris has relocated to Taiwan to take up the role of Branch Manager at AGS Movers Taiwan as of 11 November 2013

Click here for the branch contact information.