Formed in 1956 under a special chamber of commerce law with a membership of eight American companies with about 60 American nationals, the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM) has grown to over 700 company members and over 2,500 professionals including companies, non-profit organizations, and individuals. AMCHAM provides American businesses and businesspersons with a venue for the exchange of ideas and for identifying common purposes to pursue in both the private and government sectors, in Thailand, in the Asian region, and in the United States. AMCHAM also provides the focal point for channeling social service activities intended to benefit Thais and Thailand through the AMCHAM Thailand Charitable Foundation.AMCHAM has no affiliation with the U.S. Government or any of its components. However, AMCHAM is an accredited federation member of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Asia-Pacific Council of American Chambers of Commerce (APCAC) with access to all their services and privileges.AMCHAM is a member of the Board of Trade of Thailand (BOT) and our president is automatically a member of the executive committee of that body. Through this channel, AMCHAM has access to information on economic and commercial activities within the country and maintains liaison with various ministries in the Royal Thai Government.