B.GRIMM’S 150-YEAR JOURNEY OF COMPASSION

Dr Harald Link reflects on Thailand’s next era and the enduring philosophy that has guided B.Grimm from Siam Dispensary to clean energy, digital infrastructure and beyond

As Thailand prepares for its next chapter of development, the country’s greatest challenge is no longer simply how to achieve faster economic growth. It is how to build an economy that remains competitive while becoming more sustainable, more innovative and more resilient in an increasingly uncertain world.

Founded in 1878 as Siam Dispensary during the reign of King Rama V, B.Grimm is widely recognised as Thailand’s oldest established infrastructure and healthcare company and today a multinational conglomerate with businesses spanning energy, building and industrial systems, transportation, lifestyle, real estate and digital infrastructure.

As the Bangkok Post marks its 80th anniversary, B.Grimm is approaching an important milestone of its own historic milestone: 150 years of growing alongside Thailand, guided by its enduring philosophy of “Doing Business with Compassion.”

Today, B.Grimm has evolved into a diversified multinational conglomerate, with energy, industrial system, healthcare, infrastructure and digital innovation among its key businesses.

“Doing Business with Compassion has guided B.Grimm for almost 150 years,” he says. “Business should create value not only for shareholders, but also for customers, employees, communities and society.”

For Dr Link, that philosophy has become even more relevant as Thailand enters a new era shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption and climate change.

He believes the country’s next phase of development will depend not simply on attracting more investment, but on creating an environment where innovation, responsible growth and human development reinforce one another.

“Growth and compassion are not opposites,” he says. “They are, in fact, essential to inclusive progress and long-term value creation.”

Thailand, he argues, possesses many of the ingredients needed to become one of Asia’s leading destinations for high-value investment. Its strategic location, diversified industrial base, well-developed infrastructure and long history of welcoming international businesses provide strong foundations for future growth.

At the same time, new opportunities are emerging from clean industries, artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and advanced manufacturing as global supply chains continue to evolve.

“The country’s greatest strength has always been its people,” Dr Link says. “Thailand has built long-term success by embracing partnerships, remaining open to new ideas and adapting to change.”

Looking ahead, Dr Link believes one of Thailand’s most urgent priorities is investing in people, especially through continuous education, reskilling and lifelong learning as technology transforms industries.

“A skilled workforce will enable Thailand not only to attract investment, but also to create higher-value industries and stronger long-term competitiveness,” he says.

Energy, he believes, will also play a decisive role in determining Thailand’s future.

Rather than treating economic growth, energy security and environmental responsibility as competing priorities, Dr Link argues that all three should advance together.

“Clean power is increasingly the most competitive power,” he says. “Diversifying energy sources across different technologies is itself a form of energy security.”

He advocates a pragmatic energy transition that combines renewable energy with reliable transitional fuels, supported by energy storage, smart-grid technologies and continued investment in innovation.

“Affordability, reliability and environmental responsibility must go hand in hand.”

Environmental stewardship, however, extends well beyond energy.

Dr Link believes biodiversity conservation should be viewed as a core element of sustainable economic development rather than simply an environmental issue.

This conviction underpins B.Grimm’s long-standing support for wildlife conservation, including tiger protection programmes.

“The tiger is a symbol of a healthy ecosystem,” he says. “If the tiger can survive, it means the forest is alive, biodiversity is protected, and the people caring for the forest are supported.”

Looking further ahead, Dr Link believes responsible growth — balancing competitiveness with care for people, society and nature — will become increasingly important to international competitiveness.

Global investors increasingly evaluate countries not only on labour costs or market size, but also on access to reliable clean energy, transparent regulation and credible environmental standards.

Thailand, he says, already has important foundations, from clean-energy capacity to policy and financial mechanisms. The next step is to strengthen them through continuity, modern infrastructure and human capital.

If those elements come together, he believes Thailand can position itself as one of Asean’s leading hubs for green investment and sustainable industries.

Looking 10 to 20 years ahead, Dr Link hopes Thailand will become a country where economic prosperity is measured not only by growth, but also by the wellbeing it creates for society.

“Companies should not be judged only by what they produce,” he says. “They should also be judged by what they contribute.”

From healthcare to clean energy, digital infrastructure, education, conservation, arts and culture, B.Grimm remains committed to Thailand’s future.

“B.Grimm power vision is empowering the world compassionately,” Dr Link says. “We hope future generations will inherit not only a stronger economy, but also a healthier environment, stronger communities and a healthier, more balanced world.”