During the first of two schedule National Presentations at CHINACOAT 2009, Mrs. Bai Eason, president of the Thai Paint Manufacturers Association, presented a summary of the Thailand’s paint industry. She said at present there are approximately 120 registered coatings manufacturers in Thailand producing more than 400,000 tons valued at US$730 million. More than 50% of the market volume is produced by just five major international paint companies—TOA, Nippon, AkzoNobel, Kansai and Jotun. The proportion of architectural paint produced in Thailand declined from more than 90% in 1980 to 60% in 2007 due to the continuous expansion of the automotive industry, electrical/electronic goods, toy manufacturing, a growing furniture market and the food industry. These industries represent approximately 50% of the total market value. In 2008 the Thai paint industry reported 5-10% growth, double the size of the country’s GDP. Despite domestic turmoil and global economic downturn, the business atmosphere seems to be better in the second quarter of this year, according to Mrs. Eason.

Mrs. Eason earned her bachelor of sciences and executive MBA master degree in Thailand. She was a chairman of the Chemical Industry Club (CIC), Federation of Thai Industry and also founder and chairman of the Thai Paint Manufacturers Association (TPMA). During her four year term as chair of CIC and president of TPMA, she represented Thailand in many international forums and seminars related to the chemical and paint industries.