Is This For Real - Will These Things Really Make A Difference

[jimmym40]

Google Asean Economic Community 2015. This "happening" is being used over and over again for all the economic development and building boom going on right now. Read the "blueprint" and get a laugh and let us know what your views are.

[Thailand]

Hopefully they will learn from the many mistakes made by the EU.

Has potential but many variables that can cock it up!

But not really a Chiangmai forum topic?

[mesquite]

Hopefully they will learn from the many mistakes made by the EU.

Has potential but many variables that can cock it up!

But not really a Chiangmai forum topic?

More of a directive, telling you to Google something, read something, and then let "us" know what your views are.

[jimmym40]

Yes, it's a little search and reading. This is for those that are interested/curious why the big HYPE about the Asean Economic Community. It makes it sound the AEC is responsible for the housing/etc boom through out Thailand. I don't see it. It just sounds like an excuse/joke to me that they think this agreement (AEC) is going to make that much change in Thailand...

[richard10365]

Which part about AEC blueprint amuses you? Or should I ask which part of AEC blueprint do you not understand?

I think understanding what is happening is confusing and if ASEAN had one weakness it would be educating ASEAN on ASEAN. Other than that, it's a pretty solid plan.

ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) 2015 is not when the AEC will start, but rather, when the AEC will be completed and running. It's an ongoing process. Most of the goals of the AEC are already in operation. Some of the more difficult issues are still being worked out by the 10 countries.

Attached is what is and what will eventually happen. If you want to be competitive in this single market comprising more than 600 million people, then you should read the attached publication. ASEAN_Economic_Community_Handbook_for_Business_2012.pdf

[bluweyze]

Richard is spot on, perhaps because he actually knows something about what he is saying unlike the poster. The creation of a significant free trade area is certainly not to be underestimated. The European Community has gone too far in the eyes of many but the benefits from the initial free trade area are undoubtedly significant. For those who continually denigrate what is happening in Asia from their Western bias, I suggest that you start to wake up and smell the coffee. Yes there are many areas that require massive improvement and corruption is the biggest in some countries but China will become the world's biggest economy despite it's problems and the Asean economies will benefit enormously from this agreement. There are free trade agreements with Japan, China, Korea, India, New Zealand and Australia. Scoff all you want but it you that will look stupid.

[OldeBellPedr]

Here's my pitch from the perspective of running a small business in Chiang Mai:

It's a shame that at this stage, AEC cannot contemplate a free market in labour. How wonderful it would be as an employer to be able to recruit, fluent English speakers and staff who possess a work ethic. Also i suspect the Thais will use the 'sensitive goods' category to protect this country's inefficient alcoholic drinks industry from competition. so from this very small business's perspective, little will probably change in 2015. I look forward to seeing the community develop in the future.

[richard10365]

Here's my pitch from the perspective of running a small business in Chiang Mai:

It's a shame that at this stage, AEC cannot contemplate a free market in labour. How wonderful it would be as an employer to be able to recruit, fluent English speakers and staff who possess a work ethic. Also i suspect the Thais will use the 'sensitive goods' category to protect this country's inefficient alcoholic drinks industry from competition. so from this very small business's perspective, little will probably change in 2015. I look forward to seeing the community develop in the future.

I'm sure the AEC can contemplate it. In fact, thanks to the EU as the example, they are intentionally avoiding it. There are certain aspects of the free market in labor they are embracing but some aspects of the labor market they want to keep out. If you want fluent English speakers then perhaps you can hire an accountant from the Philippines to work in your restaurant. Maybe you could also consider hiring food service specialist as well. Both of these professions are included in Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRA) and the AEC services agreements.

In fact, on November 9th, 2012, Thailand signed the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Arrangement on Tourism Professionals which opened up 32 jobs to move freely among the ASEAN countries. (source)

Point being, skilled labor that you need is out there. This is also just the beginning and I believe more will open up in the future.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

I like posts that show no clue what the topic is in the title, then require people to google and research, then post an informed comment even after realising it isn't even specifically about Chiang Mai.

Make people work for their money!

Edited April 17, 2013 by WinnieTheKhwai

[jimmym40]

I get the gist of the AEC, maybe not in detail. But my initial post was more geared towards why the huge increase in housing, coffee shops, triple and double story shop houses and the like. Just what impact will this agreement make on immigration? Can anyone/does anyone have any idea? Will the immigrants from all these nations have free passage in and out of Thailand? Can they start a business in Thailand? Work permits required? Call me stupid, okay, but I just laugh everyday when I see the word "crackdown" in the Thai Visa headings. If anyone who posted read the "blueprint", it's just a bunch of BS as far as I'm concerned...

[richard10365]

I get the gist of the AEC, maybe not in detail. But my initial post was more geared towards why the huge increase in housing, coffee shops, triple and double story shop houses and the like. Just what impact will this agreement make on immigration? Can anyone/does anyone have any idea? Will the immigrants from all these nations have free passage in and out of Thailand? Can they start a business in Thailand? Work permits required? Call me stupid, okay, but I just laugh everyday when I see the word "crackdown" in the Thai Visa headings. If anyone who posted read the "blueprint", it's just a bunch of BS as far as I'm concerned...

I've read the blue print. Which part don't you understand?

10 countries, including Thailand, have agreed to operate as a single market and production base because it's more efficient. All of their economies are growing as a result. This means there is more money to do more things. Things such as increases in housing, coffee shops, triple and double story shop houses and the like.

Immigration laws in all of these countries will change to allow ASEAN citizens with the preagreed upon qualifications to travel freely across ASEAN borders to compete for jobs in other ASEAN countries. They will be able to start and own more than 50% of a business in the various ASEAN countries. They will have ASEAN work permits.

If you're not from an ASEAN country then these benefits will not apply to you. You are part of the old system which most foreigners in ASEAN countries have to abide by. I suppose this fact could make the AEC benefits seem like BS.

If you are from ASEAN then you could benefit from ASEAN if you understand it. The problem for Thailand is, most people are not taking the time to learn what the AEC is and how it can help them. Most are waiting for the December 31, 2015 deadline to happen and react then.

I hope this helps you understand better. If not, feel free to ask more questions. I will try to help you.

[jimmym40]

Thanks for your post Richard. So you did read all 38 pages of the blueprint. I agree it is a great concept if everything is put in place by all countries involved. It's mind boggaling how all that is said in the blueprint can be accomplished by all involved especially considering all the corruption at high levels of government by some of the complying nations. Who do you think are the key players in Thailand that is moving this along? Is it the same people that invented the "Elite Card" a decade or so ago? If allowed, I would like to post all 38 pages here, but not sure if I can do that. I'll give it up after this post. I just don't see all the parts of the blueprint are even being reviewed or being implemented as the blueprint states. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Have a good read and a nice day.

[richard10365]

Thanks for your post Richard. So you did read all 38 pages of the blueprint. I agree it is a great concept if everything is put in place by all countries involved. It's mind boggaling how all that is said in the blueprint can be accomplished by all involved especially considering all the corruption at high levels of government by some of the complying nations. Who do you think are the key players in Thailand that is moving this along? Is it the same people that invented the "Elite Card" a decade or so ago? If allowed, I would like to post all 38 pages here, but not sure if I can do that. I'll give it up after this post. I just don't see all the parts of the blueprint are even being reviewed or being implemented as the blueprint states. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Have a good read and a nice day.

I do have some information that can make things a bit more clearer. All of these publications are freely available on the ASEAN website (www.asean.org). Although, a bit difficult to find.

First is an organization chart showing the structure of ASEAN. ASEAN Secretariat Organizational Structure.pdf

This chart makes clearer the 3 pillars of ASEAN: The Political Security Community, The Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community

Next is the ASEAN Charter which is a general explanation of ASEAN. ASEAN-Charter.pdf

The 3 blueprints for the 3 communities:

• ASEAN Political Security Community ASEAN Political Security Blueprint.pdf
• ASEAN Economic Community ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2008.pdf
• ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint.pdf

To understand the AEC a little better

• ASEAN Economic Community Handbook for Business 2012 ASEAN_Economic_Community_Handbook_for_Business_2012.pdf

• AEC Chartbook 2012 2013 - AEC Chartbook 2012.pdf

​The key player in ASEAN for the last 5 years has been H.E Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN who has held the position for the last 5 years. Dr. Surin is from Thailand. He was recently replaced by H.E. Le Luong Minh from Viet Nam who will be the Secretary-General of ASEAN from 2013 -2017.

There is more information, more charts, and more information on various ASEAN treaties and agreements on the ASEAN website. The website was recently redone and it is easier than before to find information.

I hope this helps.

[philw]

Thanks for your post Richard. So you did read all 38 pages of the blueprint. I agree it is a great concept if everything is put in place by all countries involved. It's mind boggaling how all that is said in the blueprint can be accomplished by all involved especially considering all the corruption at high levels of government by some of the complying nations. Who do you think are the key players in Thailand that is moving this along? Is it the same people that invented the "Elite Card" a decade or so ago? If allowed, I would like to post all 38 pages here, but not sure if I can do that. I'll give it up after this post. I just don't see all the parts of the blueprint are even being reviewed or being implemented as the blueprint states. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Have a good read and a nice day.

I do have some information that can make things a bit more clearer. All of these publications are freely available on the ASEAN website (www.asean.org). Although, a bit difficult to find.

First is an organization chart showing the structure of ASEAN. ASEAN Secretariat Organizational Structure.pdf

This chart makes clearer the 3 pillars of ASEAN: The Political Security Community, The Economic Community, and the Socio-Cultural Community

Next is the ASEAN Charter which is a general explanation of ASEAN. ASEAN-Charter.pdf

The 3 blueprints for the 3 communities:

• ASEAN Political Security Community ASEAN Political Security Blueprint.pdf
• ASEAN Economic Community ASEAN Economic Community Blueprint 2008.pdf
• ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community Blueprint.pdf

To understand the AEC a little better

• ASEAN Economic Community Handbook for Business 2012 ASEAN_Economic_Community_Handbook_for_Business_2012.pdf

• AEC Chartbook 2012 2013 - AEC Chartbook 2012.pdf

​The key player in ASEAN for the last 5 years has been H.E Dr. Surin Pitsuwan, Secretary-General of ASEAN who has held the position for the last 5 years. Dr. Surin is from Thailand. He was recently replaced by H.E. Le Luong Minh from Viet Nam who will be the Secretary-General of ASEAN from 2013 -2017.

There is more information, more charts, and more information on various ASEAN treaties and agreements on the ASEAN website. The website was recently redone and it is easier than before to find information.

I hope this helps.

Great information and thanks for posting this.

Appreciated.

[PoodMaiDai]

Here's my pitch from the perspective of running a small business in Chiang Mai:

It's a shame that at this stage, AEC cannot contemplate a free market in labour. How wonderful it would be as an employer to be able to recruit, fluent English speakers and staff who possess a work ethic. Also i suspect the Thais will use the 'sensitive goods' category to protect this country's inefficient alcoholic drinks industry from competition. so from this very small business's perspective, little will probably change in 2015. I look forward to seeing the community develop in the future.

There is no way I would start a business in Thailand so long as I had to employ the average Thai. As most of you, I can not count the shops, restaurants, stores, whatever, that had Thai employees that could not be bothered with helping anyone or actually doing their job. It is no wonder most small businesses here fail. Facebook and sleep is more important than your business.

[richard10365]

Here's my pitch from the perspective of running a small business in Chiang Mai:

It's a shame that at this stage, AEC cannot contemplate a free market in labour. How wonderful it would be as an employer to be able to recruit, fluent English speakers and staff who possess a work ethic. Also i suspect the Thais will use the 'sensitive goods' category to protect this country's inefficient alcoholic drinks industry from competition. so from this very small business's perspective, little will probably change in 2015. I look forward to seeing the community develop in the future.

There is no way I would start a business in Thailand so long as I had to employ the average Thai. As most of you, I can not count the shops, restaurants, stores, whatever, that had Thai employees that could not be bothered with helping anyone or actually doing their job. It is no wonder most small businesses here fail. Facebook and sleep is more important than your business.

I'm inclined to disagree. I know many places that offer excellent service because their staff is properly trained and fairly compensated for their labor. While the competency of labor to perform a task can contribute to the failure of a small business, decisions by the management is the greatest factor in business failures. Not planning properly and then making decisions based on a bad plan has more to do with it than the staff.