Guest Lecture by Professor Sasinan Kruaechaipinit (Thammasat University): "Specifics of Doing Business in Thailand"
This lecture served as a prime example of the HSE Graduate School of Business’s commitment to developing international academic cooperation with leading universities in Southeast Asia. Thammasat University, founded in 1934, stands as one of Thailand’s oldest and most prestigious institutions. It consistently ranks as a regional leader and is renowned for its robust programs in business, economics, and international studies.
Sasinan Kruaechaipinit, Ph.D., is a specialist in Asian studies and business communications. Prior to her academic career, she served as a Senior Analyst at the Thailand Institute of State Enterprise Research and Development. Her scholarly work includes publications on trade relations between Thailand and Myanmar, China’s state capitalism in the digital economy, and Taiwan’s public diplomacy under the "New Southbound Policy."
Professor Kruaechaipinit covered a broad spectrum of topics relevant to international business researchers and practitioners. She presented key macroeconomic indicators, noting a population of approximately 66 million and a workforce exceeding 40 million, with an unemployment rate of merely 0.7%. The lecture detailed Thailand's developed infrastructure, ranging from 38 airports and major deep-sea ports to the massive high-speed rail project connecting Bangkok with China. The discussion also explored strategic opportunities for Russian companies, emphasizing Thailand's location as a "gateway" to the ASEAN market of over 600 million people. Incentives discussed included tax breaks, import duty exemptions, and streamlined regulations supported by the state. The professor highlighted several high-potential industries, including next-generation electric vehicles (EVs), the digital economy and artificial intelligence, biotechnology, renewable energy, green industry, as well as data centers and cloud services. Special attention was given to Special Economic Zones (SEZs), specifically border zones, the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) in the provinces of Chachoengsao, Chonburi, and Rayong, and regional economic corridors. A topic of particular interest to the audience was the Eurasian Transport Corridor and the prospects for logistical connectivity between Thailand, Russia, and Central Asian nations.
"Professor Kruaechaipinit’s lecture marks a significant step in strengthening the partnership between the HSE Graduate School of Business and Thailand's academic community. Southeast Asia remains a priority for HSE GSB due to its sustainable economic growth and integration into global value chains. Collaboration with Thammasat University enriches the educational process with regional expertise, broadens student horizons regarding Asian markets, and lays the groundwork for future joint research and educational projects" - Prof. Veselova Liudmila, Director of the Center for the Asian business and management research.
The HSE Graduate School of Business continues to expand its network of international academic partnerships, providing students and faculty with unique opportunities to exchange knowledge and experience with colleagues from leading global universities.