HDFF Team (L to R): Diana Richter, Tracy Vangh, Dr. Wilfried A. Herrmann, Gorawan Guntawong, Adam Martin
On Wednesday morning, 17th September 2014, the Human Development Forum Foundation (HDFF), in cooperation with the German-Thai Chamber of Commerce (GTCC), presented a breakfast talk at the Shangri-la Hotel under the topic “Foreign Land Ownership in Thailand”. Invited guests included representatives from transnational companies as well as representatives from law firms specializing in the areas of land ownership.This study focuses on three demographic groups: private individuals, corporations, and the legal perspective.
Guests at HDFF + GTCC Breakfast Talk
The breakfast opened with a presentation by Dr. Wilfried A. Herrmann (Executive Director) and Adam Martin (Training Coordinator) of HDFF. The introduction covered the foundation history, the organizational structure, and previous studies that the organization had completed. The majority of the presentation focused on the current study. Mr. Martin gave background information on the topic of “Foreign Land Ownership in Thailand” and continued with objectives, reasons and explanations of the study. The aim of the breakfast was to give an overview of the research to the guests and obtain input from their side, as well as engage with guests in round table discussions. HDFF was interested in comments, opinions and obstacles that international investors felt they encountered, or may have experienced, while doing business in Thailand, specifically in relation to land rights/issues. The overall goal of HDFF with this study is to establish an understanding of foreign investors and individual intent to own land, the issues of legal processes to own land, and opinions from the foreign community on this topic for policy recommendations. The study is intended for government agencies concerned with agriculture, land issues, and foreign direct investment. In conclusion, this study provides an unique opportunity for the foreign business community to play an active role in contributing to possible policy changes in the future business climate in Thailand through focus groups, qualitative interviews, and questionnaires provided by HDFF. 
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