Khon Kaen, Thailand

Business Associations

Association	Activity
Khon Kaen Chamber of Commerce Address: 711/54 Moo 17, Mitrapap Rd., Naimuang, Muang district, Khon Kaen province Contact number: Tel.: + 66 (0) 43 324 990 – 1 Fax.: + 66 (0) 42 325 949	Support trade, service, industry,agriculture, finance or general economics such as statistics collection, publish news on trade, researches on trade and economy, promote tourism, certificate of origin issuance, establishment of trade and economy institutions, product museum, trade fairs and arbitration; Provide appropriate consultation for the members on trade, service, industrial, agricultural, financial or general economic issues. And facilitate members in running their businesses; Suggest the government on how to develop the Thai economy; Collaborate (for trade issues) between entrepreneurs and the public sector; Source: Chamber of Commerce Act (2007)
Federation of Thai Industries (Khon Kaen Chapter)Address: 711/54 Moo 17, Mitrapap Rd., Naimuang, Muang district, Khon Kaen provinceContact number: Tel.: + 66 (0) 43 227 832 Fax.: + 66 (0) 43 227 833	Represent industrial entrepreneurs in private sector to coordinate and facilitate policies and implementation between private and public sectors; Support and develop industrial sector; Study and solve problems in the Industries; Support and encourage study, researches, trainings and publish academic document and industry-related technology; Qualify products and issue the Certificate of Origin and/ or Quality Certificates; Encourage industrialists to exchange opinions to benefit the industries; Suggest members to abide by the industrial laws; Source: Federation of Thai Industries Act (1987)

Demographic Profile

Population:
Number of popular from registration record, percent change and density by district: 2007 – 2009

Economic Zones

Industrial Estates in Northeastern of Thailand

Regional Investment and Economic Center 3, Khon Kaen is responsible for Green Area

Contact Address for Industrial Estate, BOI and Provincial Industry Office	Regional Investment and Economic Center 3 (Responsible for Green Area) 177/54 Moo.17 Mitraphap Rd, Muang, Khon Kaen 40000 Tel: 043 271300-2 Fax: 043 271309 E-mail: [email protected] Website : http://khonkaen.boi.go.th and/or www.boi.go.th Khon Kaen Provincial Industry Office Tel: 043 333115-6 Fax: 043 241810 E-mail: [email protected] Federation of Thai Industries (Khon Kaen Chapter) 711/54 Moo 17, Mitrapap Rd., Naimuang, Muang district, Khon Kaen province Tel.: + 66 (0) 43 227 832 Fax.: + 66 (0) 43 227 833 For more detail, please visit at http://www.ieat.go.th/ieat/index.blade.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=116&lang=en (more contacted details are available in each place)
Incentives	Exemption on import duties on machinery; Corporate income tax exemption for eight years provided that projects with capital investment of 10 million baht or more (excluding the cost of land and working capital) obtain ISO 9000 or similar international standard certification within two years of its start-up date, otherwise the corporate income tax will be reduced by one year; Exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in the manufacturing of export products for five years; Deduction from net profit of 25 percent of the project’s infrastructure installation or construction costs in addition to normal depreciation, and such deduction can be made from the net profit of one or several; Projects located within industrial estates or promoted industrial zones in 36 provinces including Krabi, Kamphaeng Phet, Khon Kaen, Chanthaburi, Chai Nat, Chumphon, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Trang, Trat, Tak, Nakhon Ratchsima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Sawan, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Prachin Buri, Phangnga, Phattalung, Pichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son, Ranong, Lop Buri, Lamphang, Lamphun, Loei, Songkhla, Sa Kaew, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Surat Thani, Uttaradit, and Uthai Thani, as well as Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and industrial estates or promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province(2) are granted the above-mentioned tax and duty privileges as well as the additional privileges as follows: Fifty percent reduction of corporate income tax of net profit derived from its investment for five years after the exemption period. Double deduction for transportation, electricity and water costs for 10 years from the date of first revenue derived from promoted activity. Seventy-five percent import duty reduction of the normal rate on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing for domestic sales for five years. The Board will give approval for a period of a year. Similar raw or essential materials to the imports must not be available in the Kingdom in similar quality and quantity as necessary for the procurement. This incentive is not available to projects in Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and industrial estates or promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province.
Tax and Duty Privilege	Inside industrial estates/promoted industrial zones+Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province)*
Import duties on machinery	Exemption
Corporate income tax exemption	8 years
50 percent reduction of corporate income tax	5 years after the exemption period
Import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing of export products	Exemption
Deduction of transportation, electricity and water costs	Double deduction for 10 years
Deduction of the project infrastructure installation construction costs	25% deduction from net profit
Import duties on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing products for domestic scale	75% reduction for 5 years with yearly approval** (excluding Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and industrial estates/promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province)

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Economic Zones
Industrial Estates in Northeastern of Thailand

Regional Investment and Economic Center 3, Khon Kaen is responsible for Green Area
Contact Address for Industrial Estate, BOI and Provincial Industry Office
Regional Investment and Economic Center 3 (Responsible for Green Area)
177/54 Moo.17 Mitraphap Rd, Muang, Khon Kaen 40000
Tel: 043 271300-2
Fax: 043 271309
E-mail: [email protected]
Website : http://khonkaen.boi.go.th and/or www.boi.go.th
Khon Kaen Provincial Industry Office
Tel: 043 333115-6
Fax: 043 241810
E-mail: [email protected]
Federation of Thai Industries (Khon Kaen Chapter)
711/54 Moo 17, Mitrapap Rd., Naimuang, Muang district, Khon Kaen province
Tel.: + 66 (0) 43 227 832
Fax.: + 66 (0) 43 227 833
For more detail, please visit at http://www.ieat.go.th/ieat/index.blade.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=76&Itemid=116&lang=en (more contacted details are available in each place)
Incentives
Exemption on import duties on machinery;
Corporate income tax exemption for eight years provided that projects with capital investment of 10 million baht or more (excluding the cost of land and working capital) obtain ISO 9000 or similar international standard certification within two years of its start-up date, otherwise the corporate income tax will be reduced by one year;
Exemption of import duty on raw or essential materials used in the manufacturing of export products for five years;
Deduction from net profit of 25 percent of the project’s infrastructure installation or construction costs in addition to normal depreciation, and such deduction can be made from the net profit of one or several;
Projects located within industrial estates or promoted industrial zones in 36 provinces including Krabi, Kamphaeng Phet, Khon Kaen, Chanthaburi, Chai Nat, Chumphon, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Trang, Trat, Tak, Nakhon Ratchsima, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Nakhon Sawan, Prachuab Khiri Khan, Prachin Buri, Phangnga, Phattalung, Pichit, Phitsanulok, Phetchaburi, Phetchabun, Mukdahan, Mae Hong Son, Ranong, Lop Buri, Lamphang, Lamphun, Loei, Songkhla, Sa Kaew, Sing Buri, Sukhothai, Surat Thani, Uttaradit, and Uthai Thani, as well as Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and industrial estates or promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province(2) are granted the above-mentioned tax and duty privileges as well as the additional privileges as follows:
Fifty percent reduction of corporate income tax of net profit derived from its investment for five years after the exemption period.
Double deduction for transportation, electricity and water costs for 10 years from the date of first revenue derived from promoted activity.
Seventy-five percent import duty reduction of the normal rate on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing for domestic sales for five years. The Board will give approval for a period of a year. Similar raw or essential materials to the imports must not be available in the Kingdom in similar quality and quantity as necessary for the procurement. This incentive is not available to projects in Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and industrial estates or promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province.
Tax and Duty Privilege
Inside industrial estates/promoted industrial zones+Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province)*
Import duties on machinery
Exemption
Corporate income tax exemption
8 years
50 percent reduction of corporate income tax
5 years after the exemption period
Import duty on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing of export products
Exemption
Deduction of transportation, electricity and water costs
Double deduction for 10 years
Deduction of the project infrastructure installation construction costs
25% deduction from net profit
Import duties on raw or essential materials used in manufacturing products for domestic scale
75% reduction for 5 years with yearly approval** (excluding Laem Chabang Industrial Estate and industrial estates/promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province)
*For projects in Laem Chabang Industrial Estates or promoted industrial zones in Rayong Province application must be submitted by December 31,2014
**Application must be submitted by December 31,2014
Source : Thailand Board of Investment
Investment Privileges from Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (I-EA-T)

I-EA-T FREE ZONE:

ENHANCED INVESTMENT POTENTIAL AND OPPORTUNITY IN AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE

For over three decades, as a state enterprise established under the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2522 [1979], the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (I-EA-T) has been carrying out its roles and responsibilities to develop ideal industrial estates perfectly equipped with an extensive range of infrastructure and facilities, coupled with a full-scale administrative system and numerous privileges. Based on such favorable attributes, each industrial estate is expected to be a production base that contributes to the competitiveness of all business operators.
To improve effectiveness and efficiency as a potential and performance-enhancing tool for investors and operators in industrial estates, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act B.E. 2522 [1979] was amended and re-enacted as the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act (No.4) B.E. 2550 [2007] to meet the needs of today’s dynamic marketplace and obligations under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements.
Fundamentals of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act (No.4) B.E. 2550 [2007]
Industrial estates are divided into two zones: General Industrial Zone and I-EA-T Free Zone – in lieu of an Export Processing Zone, whereby no export conditions are imposed in accordance with WTO obligations.
The operation of service businesses are allowed in a General Industrial Zone, where service operators are granted the right to land ownership.
Operators in an I-EA-T Free Zone are entitled to additional tax privileges.
The administrative process was streamlined to facilitate business operations in an I-EA-T Free Zone.
The process of industrial estate establishment and land allocation was improved to ensure faster and more convenient implementation.
Enhanced Potential and Opportunity

An investors’ potential in operating a business in an industrial estate – be it in a General Industrial Zone or an I-EA-T Free Zone – are augmented by a wider spectrum of privileges and facilities that make each estate an ideal strategic production and service base designed to heighten competitiveness for both business operators and industrial estate developers.
Investment in General Industrial Zone

Investors in a General Industrial Zone are eligible for following opportunities, options and privileges:
Permission to operate service businesses in the General Industrial Zone
I-EA-T provides industrial operators in a General Industrial Zone with comprehensive services essential for industrial operation – such as transportation, warehouses, training centers and clinics – as well as permission to own land required for their operations.
Non-Tax privileges for operators in a General Industrial Zone
The right to own land in an industrial estate
The right to bring in foreign skilled workers as well as their spouses or dependents
The right to remit money abroad

Investment in I-EA-T Free Zone

Under the most recent Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act, investors in an I-EA-T Free Zone are entitled to additional tax privileges and other preferences:
Privileges
Operators in an I-EA-T Free Zone are afforded the privilege of exporting products without any restrictions and with the added convenience of being able to bring merchandise or raw materials into an I-EA-T Free Zone.
Supplies taken into an I-EA-T Free Zone are entitled to improved tax and duty privileges.
Tax burden relief for products taken out of an I-EA-T Free Zone for domestic use or consumption. Contrary to the previous Act, content or raw material components, if produced domestically, are entitled to tax and duty exemptions.
Operators in a I-EA-T Free Zone remain entitled to privileges indicated in the previous Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act:

Tax privileges including;
import/export tax and duty exemptions; value-added tax (VAT) as well as excise tax on machinery, equipment, components, raw materials and supplies used for the production of goods and other merchandise
General privileges consisting of the right to own land, bring in technicians, experts, their family members and dependents, as well as the ability to remit foreign currency to their home countries

Operational preferences
Permission to import into Thailand or bring into an I-EA-T Free Zone, merchandise and raw materials for production, trade or service offering, without any restriction that importation of such material is limited to business operators.
Permission, for export goods producers, to bring supplies or raw materials into an I-EA-T Free Zone for manufacturing, mixing, assembling, packing or any other operations, without requiring any import permits or particular seals or symbols and with exemptions from standard and quality control requirements contained in any other laws – except those found in the customs law.

Increased Competitiveness of Industrial Estate Developers

The amended Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand Act was rewritten to increase industrial estate developer competitiveness, through the following:
The establishment of an I-EA-T Free Zone is now expedited through the issuance of I-EA-T Announcements – instead of Royal Decrees.
The land allocation process is now facilitated by allowing the I-EA-T Governor to grant approval according to I-EA-T-specified criteria, methods and conditions.

Thailand’s Competitive Potential on the Global Arena

The amended Act provides advantages to Thai operators on the global trade stage, through the following:
Thailand is to earn acceptance and recognition from member nations who also comply with WTO obligations resulting in a positive impact on trade and investment.
Operators will not encounter any retaliation on issues concerning government-subsidized export products by the WTO member nations, to which operators export their products.
Trade expansion can take place in accordance with free trade guidelines, propelling Thailand’s economy to greater heights.
Operator and entrepreneur confidence is improved.
Special privileges such as tax breaks are granted by the 150 WTO member nations.
Operators are able to conduct business more effectively as they can select appropriate trade markets – whether to sell products domestically or internationally – based on competitive conditions and thereby enhancing their capabilities for global market expansio

Financial Service

Bank of Thailand, northeastern branch, is located in Khon kaen province. Moreover, all of the government’s financial institutions have their branches in the province, including:
Bank of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives
Government Saving Banks
Government Housing Banks
SMEs Banks, EXIM Banks, and
Islamic Bank of Thailand.
There are also the numbers of private financial institutions provincial wide.
Source: Khon Kaen in Brief,
Office of the Governor, Khon Kaen Province

Infrastructure Facilities

In the last several years, construction has restarted within the city, including the widening of Mitaprahp Road on the West side of Khon Kaen (Highway 2 Bangkok-Nong Khai). is quite easy by bus, air, train, or car. Thai Air has 4 to 5 flights daily to and from Bangkok.

Road system
Road connect to Bangkok and central region by national highway No.2
Road connect to Northern region by national highway No.12
Road connect to Vientiane (Laos) via Udonthani and Nong Khai by national highway No.2
Public bus at Khonkaen city
2 Public bus station (locals bus and inter-province bus).
Hourly public bus to Bangkok.
Daily public bus to Major city in northern, central,eastern region.
Railway
Railway system to Bangkok available at Khonkaen railway station.
Air transportation
Air transportation to Bangkok available at Khon Kaen airport.

Investment Opportunities

From 2011 – 2014, Khon Kaen province strategic plan sets its vision to be “A safe city which links the trade, investment, service and transportation in the region with the foreign countries”. They plan to meet the objectives by following these strategic issues:

	Strategic issues
1. Agricultural development to become the agricultural economic hub of the region Jasmine rice value creation guaranteed by GAP standard for export; Increase productivity and reduce the cost in growing sticky rice; Increase sugarcane production; Increase the productivity of cassava, used as materials for starch, ethanol and animal feeds; Increase the Eucalyptus production to support the expansion of paper industry in Khon Kaen; Increase productivity of mulberry growing to be the material for silk; Increase beef cattle production.	2. Industrial development to strengthen the advantage from strategic location Increase productivity and efficiency of the rice mills and grain drying to support the jasmine rice export; Reduce the impacts towards communities from the process of cassava production and increase the efficiency in transportation; Reduce the impacts from sugar factories and encourage community development projects by the factories; Increase the productivity of ethanol; Increase the production of silk especially the products which promote the province’ identity; Increase the ICT and software products to promote the regional ICT hub.	3. Trade, tourism, service and infrastructure development to regional hub Become the region’s tourism hub, focusing on the historical tourist attractions (Phu Vieng/ Phu Kum Kao) including attractive and unique the tourist activities; Become the region’s trade hub by means of developing and linking international trade in parallel with the strategy to strengthen  local entrepreneurs; Provide sufficient infrastructure to facilitate the investments, service, finance, and transportation in accordance with the strategy to become the regional trade, service and investment hub of the province.

Source: Khon Kaen SWOT analysis and Khon Kaen strategy 2011 – 2014,

Brief information of Khon Kaen province 2010

Logistic Providers

Logistics Comp	Type of service
V Sriprasert Co., Ltd. 155 Moo 13, Mitrapab Road, Thapra Sub-district, Muang District, Khon  Kaen	Goods Transportation
T.C.S. E-san Transport Co., Ltd. 444 Moo 6, Mitrapab Road, Noonsompoon Sub-district, Baan-had Semi-District, Khon Kaen Province 40110	Goods Transportation
RTV Transport Co., Ltd. 306-309 Moo 7, Nai Muang Sub-district, Munag District, Khon Kaen Province 40000	Goods Transportation
Oneway Transportation Co., Ltd. 229 Moo 4, Baan Had Sub-district, Semi-district, Khon Kaen Province 40110	Transportation
King Logistic Co., Ltd. 596  Moo 16 Maliwan Road, Baan Ped, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Agricultural Transportation
Cho Thavee Khon Kaen (1993) Co., Ltd. 265 Moo 4, Krang Muang Road, Mung Kao Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Truck Seller
Kosit Transportation Co., Ltd. 331/4 Moo 1, Maliwan Road, Chumpae Sub-district, Chumpae District, Khon Kaen 40130	Goods Transportation
Private Carrier 1 Moo 1, Waeng Nai Sub-district, Waeng Nai District, Khon Kaen 40230	Goods Transportation
S K Kiecharoen Transportation Co., Ltd. 95 Moo 1, Chuan Chuen, Nai Muang Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation
Dowmahachok Transportation Co., Ltd. 299/2-3 Hao nadee Road, Muang Kao Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation
Chrapsiri Transportation 2 Co., Ltd. 434/5 Thapra-Kosumpisai Road, Thapra Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40260	Goods Transportation
Meechai 2007 Transportation Co., Ltd. 171 Moo 1, Noosila Sub-district, Noonsila Semi-District, Khon Kaen 40110	Goods Transportation
Sawangtrai Transportation Co., Ltd. 82  Moo 5, Mitrapab Road, Noodaeng Sub-district, Noo Sila Semi-district, Khon Kaen 40110	Transportation
Kingkarn Recycle Shop 343  Moo 12, Baan Thum Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Transportation
Tang Lieng Ki Co., Ltd. 305 / 53  V.I.P. Home, Kokpanpong Village, Baan Pet Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation
Supapek Co., Ltd 305 Moo 3, Khon Kaen-Muljakiri Road, Baan Thum Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation
Khon Kaen Transportation and Agriculture Co., Ltd. 253  Moo 11, Lieng Muang Road, Muang Kao Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation
Kittiwat Transportation Co., Ltd. 38  Moo 8, Haonadee Road, Muang Kao Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation
Neeracha Transportation Co., Ltd. 16 Moo 21, Baan Ped Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation
Sing Thai (1992) Co., Ltd. 205/74, Klang Muang Road, Nai Muang Sub-district, Muang District, Khon Kaen 40000	Goods Transportation

Macro Economic Indicators

Economic growth of the Khon Kaen province is quite visible through the growth patterns of gross provincial product and per capita income since last three years as depicted in the graph below.
Gross Provincial Product (GPP) at Current Market Prices by Economic Activities: 2007 –2009

Source: Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board

Key Business Sectors and Major Products
GPP statistics 2009 at current market price by economic activities (Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board) shows that the leading sectors which contribute to GPP are:

Manufacturing	(54,565 million baht)
Wholesale and Retail Trade; Repair of Motor Vehicles, Motorcycles and   Personal and Household Goods	(20,470 million baht
Agriculture, hunting and forestry	(17,753 million baht)
Education	(14,580 million baht)
Public Administration and Defence; Compulsory Social Security	(6,871 million baht)

Mudmee is a unique technique of Isan in creating textile pattern. Silk threads are tied and dyed in particular patterns, resulting in beautiful textile patterns.
Mudmee Cotton at Ban Mueang Phia, Amphoe Ban Phai (ผ้าฝ้ายมัดหมี่ บ้านเมืองเพีย อำเภอบ้านไผ่) In most households, weaving a Mudmee cotton and mudmee silk tube skirt is quite a common business here.
Natural-dyed hand-woven cotton (ผ้าฝ้ายทอมือย้อมสีธรรมชาติ) The cotton textile is a famous product by the Art Centre for Developing Isan Women

Agriculture & Agro-processing
Khon Kaen’s economic crops are rice, sugar cane and cassava.
Rice plantation areas are in Muang district, Nongsonghong district, Nong Reau district, Pol district and Naam Pong district.
Sugar cane for factory are grown in Kra-nuan district, Naam Pong district, Muang district, Kao suan kwang district, Si Chomphu district and Munjakhiri district./li>
For cassava, farmers grow them in Kao suan kwang district, Munjakhiri district, Kranuan district and Baan Pai district.
The new rising star of economic plant in Thailand is rubber which is grown in Kranuan district, Naam Pong district, Ubonrat district and Si Chomphu district in Khon Kaen.
Source: Khonkaen Provincial Agricultural Extension Office

Major products	Leading Entrepreneur/ Company
Sugar	Khon Kaen Sugar Public Company Limited Headquarter: 503 K.S.L. Tower 9th Floor, Sri Ayutthaya Rd., Thanon Phaya Thai Sub-District, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok 10400, Thailand Tel : + 66 (0) 2 642-6191-9 Fax : + 66 (0) 2 642-6097 Factory: 43 Moo 10, Naam Pong sub-district, Naam Pong District, Khon Kaen 10140
Sugar	Mitr Phol Sugar Corp., Ltd. Headquarter: 3rd Floor Ploenchit Center Building 2, Sukhumvit Road, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110 Tel : +66 (0) 2656-8488 Fax : +66 (0) 2656-8494 Factory (Mitr Phu Viang): 365 Moo 1, Maliwan Rd., Nong Reau sub-district, Nong Reau district, Khon Kaen province 40210

Manufacturing
Leading types of industries of Khon Kaen province are agriculture, metal products, non-metallic, transport and food. Number of plants/ factories of each industry shown as follow:

Source: Khon Kaen Provincial Industrial Office

Major products	Leading Entrepreneur/ Company
Alcohol Rice alcohol Crude alcohol	Sura Piseth Sahasan Co., Ltd. Naampong – Kranuan Rs., Moo 4 Naampong sub-district, Naampong district, Khon Kaen
Alcohol	Boonrod Trading Co., Ltd. Highway 208 Khon Kaen – Mahasarakarm, Tha Phra sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen
Ethanol	Thai Nguan Ethanol Co., Ltd. 88 Moo 6, None Sila sub-district, None Sila district, Khon Kaen
Beer	Khon Kaen Brewery Company Limited 333 Highway 208, Moo.2, Tha Phra sub-district, Muang  district, Khon Kaen
Paper Paper pulp Uncoated paper	Phoenix Pulp & Paper Public Company Limited 99 Moo 3 Kud Naam Sai sub-district, Naampong district, Khon Kaen
Glass containers and non-glass packaging	Khon Kaen Glass Industry Company Limited 111 Highway 208 Khon Kaen – Mahasarakarm, Moo 19, Tha Phra sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen
Magnetic Relay sets	Panasonic Electric Works ( Thailand ) Co., Ltd. ( Khon Kaen Branch) 99 M. 9 Tambol Mougwan Amphur Namphong , Khon Kaen
Electricity	Khon Kaen Sugar Industry Public Company Limited Factory: 43 Moo 10, Naam Pong sub-district, Naam Pong District, Khon Kaen 10140
Car painting and maintenance	Raja Motor Khon Kaen Co., Ltd. 3/3 – 7 Mitraparb Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen province

Natural Resources

Mineral and energy sources in Khon Kaen are:
Industrial rocks source: Khon Kaen province issued the patent permits for quarry in Si Chomphu district, Chumpae district and Phu Pa Man district. (Khon Kaen Provincial Industrial Office)
Natural gas: The gas has been found in Naam Pong district, Kao Suan Kwang district, and Chonnabot district.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand produce electricity from the gas from Naam Pong and Kao Suan Kwang sources.
Exxon Mobil is the investor in the gas well in Kud Naam Sai sub-district, Naam Pong district.
Hess (Thailand) Co., Ltd. invests in the Sin Phu Hom gas well in Nong Sang district, Udonthani province and None Somboon sub-district, Kao Suan Kwang district, Khon Kaen province.
Mineral sources: Potash, especially Carnallite) can be generally found in Khon Kaen province in Muang district, Baan Fang district and some districts in the southern part of Khon Kaen province.

Opportunities in Tourism

Historically, Khon Kaen is quite a new town, established a little over two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I. But prehistorically, this town on the plateau has been home to various cultures as well as other fascinating creatures, heretofore unknown to the modern world. Artifacts have proven that millions of years ago the area was occupied by gigantic dinosaurs, several of which were endemic to the region. People in various cultures later occupied the plateau for thousands of years until the Ancient Khmer Empire expanded its presence into the area in the 12th century and ruled it for some time. The ancient cultures, traditions, and historical sites in this area have all
The ancient cultures, traditions, and historical sites in this area have all contributed to shaping the people and culture of Khon Kaen.
A major source of local wisdom regarding the production of silk is in Amphoe Chonnabot, where excellent Mudmee Silk is delicately woven by hand using a special tie-dye technique, and Khon Kaen features both creature comfort, in the form of fine eateries and swanky hotels, and beautiful nature, including a variety of animal parks and a number of spectacular national parks.
Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand, featuring a number of upscale restaurants and hotels, the largest university in the North East, and a busy airport.
In addition to containing some fascinating historical and archaeological sites, Khon Kaen is also an excellent place to watch the production of Mudmee Silk or participate in outdoor activities within one of its several animal reserves or national parks.
Source: www.tourismthailand.org

Research and Development

Khon Kaen University
Khon Kaen University (KKU) was one of four regional universities established in 1964 as part of a decentralized development plan for higher education in Thailand. KKU is the largest education and learning center in the
Northeast of Thailand, and is recognized as the leader of new innovations in teaching and learning and research in the region. Khon Kaen city is the trade and administrative hub of the Northeast and is on a main transport route between the south and the Mekong Sub-region, and thus KKU is ideally placed to support the development of the Northeast and its neighboring counties.
KKU is committed to the development of its communities and its neighboring countries. KKU currently offers 31 International programs, and 11 English programs, with students from all our neighboring counties studying for degrees at KKU. As host to 18 Research Centers of Excellence, the E-Sarn software park and the Northeastern Sciences and technology Park, KKU is an active hub for innovation and research.
KKU has strong links with other universities in Southeast Asia through its GMSTEC and GMSARN membership, and the Scholarships for Neighboring Countries initiative. This initiative supports staff and students from institutions in the Greater Mekong region who have a memorandum of understanding with KKU, to come and study for higher degrees at KKU. This is a continuing program with new scholarships awarded annually, with the aim of significantly strengthening the human capital in specific areas in these neighboring countries. KKU annually hosts the Khon Kaen International Marathon, and also hosts a large number of regional events, such as the Northeastern Agricultural Fair and the Innovation Fair. KKU is continually seeking to improve the quality of its education, its services and its outreach.

Source: www.kku.ac.th/english

Major products	Leading Entrepreneur/ Company
Plant Breeding Research Center for Sustainable Agriculture Address:  123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.: + 66 (0) 43 202 222 ext. 11327-8, 11365 Fax.: + 66 (0) 43 202 696
Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center Address: Tropical Feed Resources Research and Development Center, Faculty of Agriculture, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  + 66 (0) 43 202 368 E-mail.:  [email protected]	Planned areas of research  and development Ruminants Improvement in the efficiency of the use of crop by – products in ruminant livestock systems. The uses of locally available feed resources and their effect on rumen fermentation. The potential of livestock to utilize by – products from cropping within crop livestock farming systems. Increase the efficient use of locally available feed resources (e.g. cassava, sugarcane) in place of expensive imported feed materials. The role of feed resources, including strategic use of high quality materials , to improve production of quality animal products. Non-ruminants Investigation into the use of locally available medicinal herb as additives for non- ruminants (swine, poultry, aquatic). Processing of crop by – products for their use as feeds in commercial non-ruminant systems. Investigation into the role of non-ruminants to utilize  crop by – products within crop livestock farming systems. The use of feed resources , including strategic use of high quality materials , to improve production of quality animal products. Monitoring of levels of anti-nutritive factors (especially toxins) in tropical feed resources. Forage crops Investigation into grass/legume mixes to improve ruminant nutrition. Availability of fresh and conservedforages as ruminant feeds during the dry season. Studies on the breeding and selection of appropriate varieties of grasses and legumes for specific tropical regions. Studies on establishment of forage crops in commercial farming systems to support efficient sustainable ruminant production systems.
Applied Taxonomic Research Center Address: Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  + 66 (0) 43 202 879 Fax.: + 66 (0) 43 202 879	Thai Nguan Ethanol Co., Ltd. 88 Moo 6, None Sila sub-district, None Sila district, Khon Kaen
Sustainable Infrastructure Research and Development Center Address: Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 362 143 Fax: + 66 (0) 43 362 142	Bring together engineers, researchers, and experts in the fields of Construction Materials, Transportations, Information technology, Geological Engineering, Water Engineering, Mechatronics, Logistics, and others to develop new technologies for the infrastructure development of the country
Research Center for Environmental and Hazardous Substance Management Address: Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 362 143 Fax: + 66 (0) 43 362 142	Support and conduct research to solve environmental and hazardous substance problems in the region as well as promoting the development of academic staff, graduates, equipment and facilities to enhance their ability to conduct research in this field by collaborating with others universities, industries and government for the benefit of the community and the nation as a whole
Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Hard Disk Drive Component Address: Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 362 143 Fax: + 66 (0) 43 362 142	strengthen academic and research activities allowing transfer of high technology in both theory and practice
Agricultural Machinery and Postharvest technology Research Center Address: Faculty of Engineering, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 362 143 Fax: + 66 (0) 43 362 142	To conduct research in the field of agricultural machinery and postharvest technology that is highly required by the community To develop research at the graduate level in the fields of agricultural machinery and postharvest technology To provide academic services for users.
Fermentation Research Center for Value Added Agricultural Products Address: Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002  Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 362 122	Producing high quality researches and research personnel in the key areas of fermented foods, alcoholic beverages, renewable energy and environmental biotechnology
Agricultural Biotechnology Research Center for Sustainable Economy Address: Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002  Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 342 880
Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Address: Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 203 769 ext. 63861, 63863	Research strategy Research in molecular carcinogenesis aimed to gain better knowledge of cholangiocarcinogenesis and for prevention approach Research in molecular biomarkers to gain better diagnostic and prognostic measures for the treatment and care for the patients. Research to gain better understanding regarding improving anticancer chemotherapy and drug sensitivity test.
Center for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories Address: Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel./ Fax.:  +66 (0) 43 202 083 E-mail:  [email protected]
Center for Research on Plurality in the Mekong Region (CERP) Address: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Khon Kaen University, 123 Contact number: Tel./ Fax.:  +66 (0) 43 203 215	To conduct research on pluralistic societies in the Mekong Region in such areas as social and cultural pluralism, linguistic pluralism, ecological pluralism and resource management. To integrate research into graduate-level education and build a body of knowledge based on Asian experiences. To disseminate information for academic and development purposes.
Research Center for Mekong Regional Tourism Address: Khon Kaen University, 123 Mitraparp Rd., Naimuang sub-district, Muang district, Khon Kaen, 40002 Contact number: Tel.:  +66 (0) 43 202 427 Email:  [email protected]

Why invest in Khon Kaen

The Khon Kaen province is the strategic location where North – South and East-West economic corridors meet.
Two main routes could link the whole GMS countries together.
Qualified academic institutions in the province guarantee the quality of educated labors from unskilled, semi-skilled to skilled labors.
Quality and up-to-date medical service and MICE service are available for everyone.
The huge reservoir, Ubonrat dam, some of the areas in Khon Kaen could generate alternative energy from natural sources.
The telecommunication system is linked everywhere. The telephone and internet signals are very good.
The government recognizes the importance of its strategic location.
It launches policies to promote Khon Kaen to become 1 of the ICT town among the three pilot provinces and the policy to economically restructure in agricultural, industrial, tourism and service sectors and the arena of trade and investment.
Locating in the BOI zone 3, which will enjoy the following benefit:

Tax and Duty Privileges:
Exemption of import duty on machinery.
8-year exemption of corporate income tax with no cap
5-year 50% reduction of corporate income tax on net profit
10-year double deduction of transportation, electricity and water supply
Deduction from net profit of 25% of investment in infrastructure installation and construction costs in additional to normal capital depreciation
Reduction of corporate income tax by 50% for 5 years after the exemption period
Double deduction from taxable income of water, electricity and transport costs for 10 years from the date of the sales
Deduction from the net profit of 25% of the costs of installation or construction of the projects infrastructure facilities
Source: www.boi.go.th
Cost of Doing Business
Average wage : 167 THB per day (as of 1 January 2011)
Number of Employed Persons Aged 15 years and over by occupation, quarterly and sex in quarter 4 of 2009 shows that there are in the fourth quarter 1,010,100 labors in Khon Kaen province. 390,400 people are skilled agricultural and fishery workers. 158,900 people are service workers and shop and market sales workers. 155,000 people worked in elementary occupation. And 108,600 people are craft and related trade workers.
Source: Statistical tables, Labour Force Survey: 2552-2553, Provincial level, National Statistical Office