It is a testimony to any  organization that can constantly adapt to changing phases and demands, and at the same time remain true to its core principles. Over the past 20 years, Thai Furniture Industry Club, Federation of Thai Industries, has been able to do just this.
     With the intention to emerge as the prestige Thai Furniture in the global market. Thai manufacturers strive forward hand in hand to improve its performance and technology in order to produce esthetic and quality products.
     Thai Furniture Industry Club (TFIC) , the integration of a group of farsighted furniture industrialists, acts as the trouble-shooter for its members, while also serving as a key conduit to the Government. TFIC also plays a major role in supporting Thai manufacturers such as. In conjunction with Thailand Department of Export Promotion, subsidizing Thai participants in the International Furniture Fair Singapore and many other Furniture Fairs abroad.
     TFIC also cultivates links with counterpart organizations both in the region and across the world, through which it provides its members with invaluable international exposure and contacts.

BACKGROUND
     The production and export of furniture has been recognized as a top foreign exchange earner and the government has acted accordingly to help the industry grow.
     One organization they consult frequently is the Furniture Industry Club of The Federation of Thai Industries which was founded in 1978. Two men were responsible for its formation. They are Mr. Ar-nond changtrakul and the late Mr. Ah-ram Kotikul. The first chairman of the Furniture Industry Club was Mr. Vandi Hutasingha. He was succeeded by Mr. Kitti Trakarnsakdikul followed by Mr. Aree Poosomboon and Mr. Decha Koopthavonrerk. Mr. Kitti Trakarnsakdikul followed by Mr. Aree Poosomboon are now honorary chairman of the Furniture Industry Club. At present, Mr. Decha Koopthavonrerk is its chairman.

GOALS
    During its development the TFIC has never lost sight of its initial goals.

• To serve as the representative of Furniture manufacturers in Thailand.

• To promote and develop Furniture Industry.

• To promote a Code of Ethics among members of the Thai business community.

• To encourage transfer of Technology to Thailand.
  

INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
     Thailand’s Furniture can be subdivided into 5 categories.

1. Wooden Furniture

2. Steel Furniture

3. Bedroom Furniture

4. Furniture parts

5. Others

     Nowadays, there are 2,458 Furniture manufacturers in Thailand. This number consists of Small scale Manufacturers 88.5 %, medium scale manufacturers 10.4 % and Large scale manufacturers 1.1 %. Generally, those who possess substantial production capacity to perform export transaction are Medium and Large scale manufacturers, which account for 284 companies or 11.5 %.
     Further study reveals that most furniture manufacturers here concentrate in producing wooden furniture, which accounts for 1,720 companies or 70%. Steel furniture takes second place, which accounts for 490 companies or 20%. The remaining 10% are those who produce furniture from plastic, leather, etc.
     Ever since logging was banned in Thailand in the late 1980’s, the wood furniture industry has found it difficult to secure timber for the trade. One source has been the rubber plantations. As old rubber trees are replaced with higher yielding trees, the timber is sold to the furniture markets. The Furniture Industry has also turned to its neighbors, Myanmer, Combodia and Laos for timber.

ACTIVITIES
     As furniture industry is one of the nation’s top currency earner, the Government has put in more and more efforts every year to boost the export volume. At present, the Government has launched a policy to double the export volume of Furniture within 3 years. This plan includes, the construction of the Thailand Furniture Center, which is a research and development center especially for Furniture and its related products, etc.
     Furthermore, TFIC is frequently consulted by the Government on new regulations and policies that will affect the trade. TFIC provides the relevant statistics and data to the industry, as well as working closely with both the Ministry of Industry and the Ministry of Commerce and trade promotion centers.

HIGHLIGHT ACTIVITIES
     The TFIC was established in 1978 and is a member of the Asean Furniture Industries Council. Its many activities are as follow:

• 1981 ; organized “Thai Furniture Fair” at the Ministry of Industry, Bangkok

• 1982 ; organized “Thai Furniture Fair” at Suan Amporn Place, Bangkok

• 1983 ; organized “Asean Furniture Fair” in conjunction with “Thai Furniture Fair” at Wireless Road, Bangkok

• 1984 ; participated in “Asean Furniture Fair” in Indonesia

• 1985 ; participated in “Asean Furniture Fair” in Malaysia

• Since 1986 ; participated in the annual “Asean Furniture Show” in Singapore. The TFIC has received much support and assistance from the Department of Export Promotion(DEP) every year. In the 17^th Asean Furniture Show 2000, DEP has booked and paid for 222 square metres of exhibition space.

• Members of TFIC are also participating in other International Furniture Show such as “High Point Fair” in USA, “The Cologne Fair” in Germany, “The Tokyo Fair” in Japan and “The Dubai (Index) Fair” in UAE.