Thai opinion: Time to get serious with the 'Asean Lane'

[webfact]

REGIONAL PERSPECTIVE
Time to get serious with the 'Asean Lane'
Kavi Chongkittavorn
The Nation
Kuala Lumpur

BANGKOK: -- Last Thursday, the bosses at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) inaugurated an "Asean Lane" for the group's passport holders, amid colourful banners and balloons. The special lane, covered with orange carpet, immediately drew a long queue of enthusiastic visitors willing to wait as they were given a healthy dose of special treatment by the Asean feeling.

In contrast, early this month the heads of Thailand's Suvarnabhumi International Airport decided to dismantle two Asean and one ACMECS (Ayeyawaddy-Chaophraya-Mekong-Economic Cooperation) lanes at their arrival gates after two full years of operation. I asked an immigration official the reason for the closure on Thursday but was told: "No idea, just following orders."

One of the top priorities for being part of the Asean Community is to establish a common bond among the people of the region. The Master Plan of Asean Connectivity, approved by Asean leaders in Hanoi in 2010, stipulated all Asean members must set up Asean lanes at their international airports. As part of the people-to-peo?ple connectivity, members of Asean must ensure their people can travel unhindered throughout the region — a visa-free Asean. Sad but true, it remains a dream.

Shameful as it may seem, many Western passport holders enjoy visa waivers to more Asean destinations than national passport holders do.

By now, all Asean countries were meant to have established an Asean lane - but their enthusiasm has failed to match the spirit one encounters at KLIA.

As the new Asean chair, Malaysia, which will oversees the start of the Asean Community next year, wants to make 2015 a special one for Asean. There will be five special Asean lanes at KLIA — three at arrival gates and two departure gates. An additional two gates each way are at KLIA2 in Sepang.

For the past two decades, businessmen from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) have been using the Apec Lane when they travel inside the grouping. The new Asean chair plans to issue an Asean Business Travel Card, subject to the approval of Asean leaders in April, to facilitate business travel and promote intra-Asean trade. But the plan could be delayed, as some Asean states have yet to agree.

Lest we forget, Thailand was the first Asean country to establish an Asean lane at Don Mueang Airport ahead of the 5th Asean Summit in December 1995. At the time, former prime minister Banharn Silapa-archa wanted to show off Thailand's new found confidence, blooming democracy and economic prosperity. The "Asean passports only" lane went for nearly two-and-half years before it was dumped after the "Tom Yum Kung" financial crisis.

Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time. Generally speaking, back then Asean tourists did not have a sense of belonging, let alone the sense of a community called Asean, which they have inculcated in the past six years since the Asean Charter came into effect.

So they did not use or even appreciate it. Worse, some thought the word "Asean" was a misspelling of "Asian" - as Thais often misspell English words.

In December 2013, Suvarnabhumi set aside three special lanes, two for Asean and the other for holders of passports of the Ayewaddy-Chaophraya-Mekong-Economic Cooperation to prepare for the Asean Community in 2015. The funny thing was members of ACMEC — Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar — also belong to Asean. Thai airport and immigration officials could easily have increased the Asean lanes to three or more.

As a frequent traveller in Asean, the Asean lane proves to be a troublesome experience during busy hours. All arriving passengers want to pass through the immigration checkpoint quickly without hassle. Problem is, at any given time at an international airport in Asean, there is often just one Asean lane in operation and substantially more non-Asean lanes. Naturally, tourists look for shorter queues. If there were lots of passengers, being Asean could mean waiting longer and being unattended, Some travellers might not buy that.

In order to increase awareness and pride in the Asean Community (AC), additional improvement over the Asean lane is needed.

First, all Asean lanes must be noticeable and located at an area easy to access, not hiding at the airport's furthest corner as the passengers are not playing hide and seek.

Second, local officials must approach and notify passengers of the existence of an Asean lane.

Finally, if the Asean lane is choked, which occurs quite often during busy flight schedules, more Asean lanes must be added intermittently and quickly. For some Asean folks that would be the first and tangible benefit of the AC deadline — small as it is.

As it is today, Asean lanes in most international airports in Asean are not properly administrated and given due importance. At a deeper level, it also reflects the host countries' anxiety and the kind of treatment they are willing to accord to other Asean families.

Ideally, on New Year's Day in January 2016, there should only be "Asean" and "Non-Asean" lanes for all travellers.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Time-to-get-serious-with-the-Asean-Lane-30250348.html


-- The Nation 2014-12-22

[Tatsujin]

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

[chainarong]

Regardless of how many ASEAN lanes are provided the crux of the matter , do Thai's understand the principles and basic's of ASEAN , I get the impression that all it is,, is a name , nobody is prepared in Thailand for ASEAN , the main basic language is English , other countries ( Not all) are miles ahead of Thailand in this area and what are the benefits to Thailand , when you weigh up some of the participating partners, Thailand could lose more than a few AEAN lanes at the airport.

[TommyUK1960]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

[baboon]

All these special lanes strike me as a bit daft. Why confuse people? Surely it would be better if there were two choices, ASEAN and Non ASIAN like they do in Europe, or Thai and Non Thai? It might make life easier for everyone...

[noitom]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

All these special lanes strike me as a bit daft. Why confuse people? Surely it would be better if there were two choices, ASEAN and Non ASIAN like they do in Europe, or Thai and Non Thai? It might make life easier for everyone...

Simplicity is not in keeping with Thai rules.

[wabothai]

When farang, does one qualify for such a "vip" pasport ?

It sounds like you have to be Asian to be Asean.

[soalbundy]

',,,,'give them that Asia feeling'' they have a common sense of identity already,it's called corruption

Edited December 22, 2014 by soalbundy

[Bakseeda]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

Tommy..... Thai people in the main do not even know where Europe is... They have'nt got a clue about what is happening in Bangkok never mind England. And what is it to you, You live here in Thailand. And if you did not live here, probably you would not have heard about ASEAN .. So, come on now and be honest with yourself... a small test for you Tommy-boy... Name the ten countries in ASEAN. Miserable failure .. Right ?

[Lupatria]

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

All these special lanes strike me as a bit daft. Why confuse people? Surely it would be better if there were two choices, ASEAN and Non ASIAN like they do in Europe, or Thai and Non Thai? It might make life easier for everyone...

Simplicity is not in keeping with Thai rules.

Oh yes it is. Just stick to rule # One : First let's see how we make money out of this...

[fishingforsquid]

When farang, does one qualify for such a "vip" pasport ?

It sounds like you have to be Asian to be Asean.

Sorry, but that is a dumb statement.

Yes you can as a 'farang', buy a Thai Elite card, you will be whisked from the arrival gate to your limo in no time.

Yes you have to be 'asian to be Asean', that is a member of the ASEAN community, not dissimilar to the EU community or the Australian/New Zealand community or North America community. It is only South East Asia.

ASEAN stands for the Association of South East Asian Nations, Australia may soon be a member, bring it on !!!

[Fab5BKK]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

Get your facts right!

1. From my own experience. As a "migrant" (6-figure package) in the UK, I do believe that I contributed to the british society (NI, Inland Revenue, VAT, TV Licence, local council tax, etc.). And I claimed very little benefits (I had a full BUPA health insurance) and never visited any jobcentre...

2. I'm not sure that the "locals" are that keen to do the low-pay jobs.

3. Lots of Brits live in the EU and claim benefits...

I don't want to rant too much but:

1. In many regions, your fellow citizens did contribute to raise the property prices making properties unaffordable to locals...

2. When migrants come to the UK they speak English and adapt to local customs... not that sure about the Brits when abroad...

3. More and more Brits go to continental Europe for medical treatments...

4. The money the UK get from the EU is much bigger than its contribution...

Again, get your facts right!

[fishingforsquid]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

Tommy..... Thai people in the main do not even know where Europe is... They have'nt got a clue about what is happening in Bangkok never mind England. And what is it to you, You live here in Thailand. And if you did not live here, probably you would not have heard about ASEAN .. So, come on now and be honest with yourself... a small test for you Tommy-boy... Name the ten countries in ASEAN. Miserable failure .. Right ?

Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, East Timor (Timor Leste), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines + Australia at a later date, just show us the money!

[Benmart]

When farang, does one qualify for such a "vip" pasport ?

It sounds like you have to be Asian to be Asean.

It appears to be linked to the passport one holds and not ones race, nationality, flavor or other discriminator.

[ScotBkk]

When farang, does one qualify for such a "vip" pasport ?

It sounds like you have to be Asian to be Asean.

Do what Thaiapologists.inc do.

Indoctrinate your brain to believe your Thai. Start being despicable towards your (your own kind) fellow Farangs. Sing the praises of Thailand on a daily basis whilst slating all and everyone for daring to voice opinion on suspicious murders, suicides, thefts, rapes, robbery, assaults, threats, rip-offs. Then, just mark them all up as the consensus in your final judgment or opinion reached by the group as a whole, thus by fellow cretins as how or what happens in other countries and should never be up for debate.

Keep it up and you'll be a fully fledged member in no time when you write to its President - JTJ for VIRTUAL membership.

Edited December 22, 2014 by ScotBkk

[JeezeLooeze]

The writer spells out what the acronyms APEC, ACMEC and AC mean but fails on ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) comprised of the following member nations: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.

Given the writer's assertion about the lack of awareness about ASEAN and what it is, one would think to actually include a brief explanation in the article would be helpful.

Edited December 22, 2014 by JeezeLooeze

[chotthee]

The the lane be spelled with single S or double S?

[DaveHKT]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

Tommy..... Thai people in the main do not even know where Europe is... They have'nt got a clue about what is happening in Bangkok never mind England. And what is it to you, You live here in Thailand. And if you did not live here, probably you would not have heard about ASEAN .. So, come on now and be honest with yourself... a small test for you Tommy-boy... Name the ten countries in ASEAN. Miserable failure .. Right ?

Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, East Timor (Timor Leste), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Philippines + Australia at a later date, just show us the money!

Oh s**t, I could have sworn Singapore was a member of ASEAN.

[Baerboxer]

When farang, does one qualify for such a "vip" pasport ?

It sounds like you have to be Asian to be Asean.

You have to come from a country that is a member of ASEAN and having a passport from that country you can then use the lane marked "ASEAN passports".

Fiendishly complicated isn't it

[timewilltell]

It will take time, possibly an eon, for Thais to lose their xenophobia and treat non-Thais (excepting their conquerors the Chinese) with any sort of respect. For this reason ASEAN will have great difficulty getting any traction. The Thais are not alone in their xenophobia though some member countries have advanced beyond the tribal feudal stages akin to middle-age Europe and have brought themselves well into line with the more advanced societies with a more open outlook. The fact that the more advanced societies are so materialistically inclined is sad, yet the aspect greedily grabbed first, bypassing all the societal developments that are enjoyed at least for now. When Thailand and nations of similar ilk starts to open itself to the fact that it is not the centre of the world, nor even of ASEAN and is in fact far behind its neighbours, then maybe progress will be made along the lines of tighter integration.

[ThaiUser]

When farang, does one qualify for such a "vip" pasport ?

It sounds like you have to be Asian to be Asean.

Do what Thaiapologists.inc do.

Indoctrinate your brain to believe your Thai. Start being despicable towards your (your own kind) fellow Farangs. Sing the praises of Thailand on a daily basis whilst slating all and everyone for daring to voice opinion on suspicious murders, suicides, thefts, rapes, robbery, assaults, threats, rip-offs. Then, just mark them all up as the consensus in your final judgment or opinion reached by the group as a whole, thus by fellow cretins as how or what happens in other countries and should never be up for debate.

Keep it up and you'll be a fully fledged member in no time when you write to its President - JTJ for VIRTUAL membership.

Unfortunatly Thailand doesn't have laws that cover hate speech.

"Anyone who in a ridiculing, slanderous, insulting, threatening or any other manner publicly assaults a person or a group of people on the basis of their nationality, skin colour, race, religion or sexual orientation, shall be fined or jailed for up to 2 years." (In this context "assault" does not refer to physical violence but only to verbal "assault".)

[mrjohndub]

&lt;deleted&gt;, ASEAN is nearly 50 years old. The AEC, the forthcoming ASEAN Economic Community, is the topic of discussion.

[wabothai]

You don't seem to understand my sarcasm but thank y'all for your well educated responses.

merry xmas.

[Jackson86]

agree that ASEAN lanes are quite redundant in thailand's airports. I'm from ASEAN state but was told to queue up at the normal lanes anyway.

[ThaiUser]

#23

Sarcasm is hypothesized to develop as a cognitive and emotional tool that adolescents use in order to test the borders of politeness and truth.

Indoctrinate your brain to believe your Thai. Start being despicable towards your (your own kind) fellow Farangs. Sing the praises of Thailand on a daily basis whilst slating all and everyone for daring to voice opinion on suspicious murders, suicides, thefts, rapes, robbery, assaults, threats, rip-offs.

That's not sarcasm but your description of Thai people and most of us find that offensive.

[tonbridgebrit]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

Get your facts right!

1. From my own experience. As a "migrant" (6-figure package) in the UK, I do believe that I contributed to the british society (NI, Inland Revenue, VAT, TV Licence, local council tax, etc.). And I claimed very little benefits (I had a full BUPA health insurance) and never visited any jobcentre...

2. I'm not sure that the "locals" are that keen to do the low-pay jobs.

3. Lots of Brits live in the EU and claim benefits...

I don't want to rant too much but:

1. In many regions, your fellow citizens did contribute to raise the property prices making properties unaffordable to locals...

2. When migrants come to the UK they speak English and adapt to local customs... not that sure about the Brits when abroad...

3. More and more Brits go to continental Europe for medical treatments...

4. The money the UK get from the EU is much bigger than its contribution...

Again, get your facts right!

Fab, I can see your point, but how about this.

Yes, some foreign migrants have special skills, and these people are adding their skills to Britain's/Thailand's economy. But lots of the migrants are un-skilled, and they are competing for low-paid jobs done by local people.

Britain is in the same situation as Thailand. Thai people do low-paid jobs for say, 300 baht per day. Workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Burma will do the same job for less money. Yes, they work harder. If you remove the Cambodians, Laos and Burmese, then, only Thais can do those jobs. People say "the Thais are lazy, they refuse to work for 300 baht per day, they would rather sit at home". But with foreigners gone, then Thai bosses will have to pay 500/600 baht per day to Thai workers. With better pay, Thais will come out to work.

And the writing above about Thai workers is true about British workers, it's the same situation. Why make the low-paid workers in your own country compete against cheaper foreign workers ? They're already low-paid, you're putting them out of work by bringing in foreign workers.

Anyway, ASEAN is NOT about freedom of movement of all workers. Some people on Thai Visa think it is, but it's not.

And anyway, even if it was, would most Thais benefit from having a vast number of foreigners working in Thailand ? People on Thai Visa already make comments like "once we see freedom of movement of workers in ASEAN, the Thais are f____, the Thais simply are not going to be able to compete against the hard-working and cheaper workers of other ASEAN countries". Well, yes, those comments might be correct, that's why the Thais don't actually want to see a big increase in the number of foreign workers in Thailand.

Can anybody criticise most of the Thais for not wanting their country to receive a vast number of cheaper migrant workers ? Not as if it's going to happen, but still.

[tonbridgebrit]

And yes, the creation of 'ASEAN Lanes' and 'freedom for all citizens in ASEAN to travel for a holiday within ASEAN, without a visa' is actually a step towards 'an ASEAN where everybody in ASEAN can work and live in any other ASEAN country'.

As said before, it's simply not going to happen, not for now anyway.

[Fab5BKK]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

Get your facts right!

1. From my own experience. As a "migrant" (6-figure package) in the UK, I do believe that I contributed to the british society (NI, Inland Revenue, VAT, TV Licence, local council tax, etc.). And I claimed very little benefits (I had a full BUPA health insurance) and never visited any jobcentre...

2. I'm not sure that the "locals" are that keen to do the low-pay jobs.

3. Lots of Brits live in the EU and claim benefits...

I don't want to rant too much but:

1. In many regions, your fellow citizens did contribute to raise the property prices making properties unaffordable to locals...

2. When migrants come to the UK they speak English and adapt to local customs... not that sure about the Brits when abroad...

3. More and more Brits go to continental Europe for medical treatments...

4. The money the UK get from the EU is much bigger than its contribution...

Again, get your facts right!

Fab, I can see your point, but how about this.

Yes, some foreign migrants have special skills, and these people are adding their skills to Britain's/Thailand's economy. But lots of the migrants are un-skilled, and they are competing for low-paid jobs done by local people.

Britain is in the same situation as Thailand. Thai people do low-paid jobs for say, 300 baht per day. Workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Burma will do the same job for less money. Yes, they work harder. If you remove the Cambodians, Laos and Burmese, then, only Thais can do those jobs. People say "the Thais are lazy, they refuse to work for 300 baht per day, they would rather sit at home". But with foreigners gone, then Thai bosses will have to pay 500/600 baht per day to Thai workers. With better pay, Thais will come out to work.

And the writing above about Thai workers is true about British workers, it's the same situation. Why make the low-paid workers in your own country compete against cheaper foreign workers ? They're already low-paid, you're putting them out of work by bringing in foreign workers.

Anyway, ASEAN is NOT about freedom of movement of all workers. Some people on Thai Visa think it is, but it's not.

And anyway, even if it was, would most Thais benefit from having a vast number of foreigners working in Thailand ? People on Thai Visa already make comments like "once we see freedom of movement of workers in ASEAN, the Thais are f____, the Thais simply are not going to be able to compete against the hard-working and cheaper workers of other ASEAN countries". Well, yes, those comments might be correct, that's why the Thais don't actually want to see a big increase in the number of foreign workers in Thailand.

Can anybody criticise most of the Thais for not wanting their country to receive a vast number of cheaper migrant workers ? Not as if it's going to happen, but still.

Tonbridgebrit, was answer was directed towards TommyUK1960's post, a xenophobic and anti-EU post.

[Tatsujin]

Tatsujin, on 22 Dec 2014 - 07:35, said:

"Don Mueang's Asean lane was not popular simply because Thailand was ahead of its time."

Interesting. I've spoken to quite a few Thai's about "ASEAN" over the past few months, to a man/woman, they know the name and what the letters mean, and that's about it. They have no idea of what it's (supposed to be) all about and the impact/changes it's (supposed) to happen here. The only thing that some have said is that it will make it easier for foreign (typically Burmese) workers to come and steal their (Thai) jobs.

Thai people can probably see what crap we have with the European Union (EU). All the migrants stealing our jobs in the UK. All low paid jobs that were starter jobs for school/ collage leavers are now done by East European, our elite / media have the audacity to say British kids are lazy. They even give companies grants to give the East Europeans work. Hope the Asian community learn from our mistakes.

Get your facts right!

1. From my own experience. As a "migrant" (6-figure package) in the UK, I do believe that I contributed to the british society (NI, Inland Revenue, VAT, TV Licence, local council tax, etc.). And I claimed very little benefits (I had a full BUPA health insurance) and never visited any jobcentre...

2. I'm not sure that the "locals" are that keen to do the low-pay jobs.

3. Lots of Brits live in the EU and claim benefits...

I don't want to rant too much but:

1. In many regions, your fellow citizens did contribute to raise the property prices making properties unaffordable to locals...

2. When migrants come to the UK they speak English and adapt to local customs... not that sure about the Brits when abroad...

3. More and more Brits go to continental Europe for medical treatments...

4. The money the UK get from the EU is much bigger than its contribution...

Again, get your facts right!

Fab, I can see your point, but how about this.

Yes, some foreign migrants have special skills, and these people are adding their skills to Britain's/Thailand's economy. But lots of the migrants are un-skilled, and they are competing for low-paid jobs done by local people.

Britain is in the same situation as Thailand. Thai people do low-paid jobs for say, 300 baht per day. Workers from Cambodia, Laos, and Burma will do the same job for less money. Yes, they work harder. If you remove the Cambodians, Laos and Burmese, then, only Thais can do those jobs. People say "the Thais are lazy, they refuse to work for 300 baht per day, they would rather sit at home". But with foreigners gone, then Thai bosses will have to pay 500/600 baht per day to Thai workers. With better pay, Thais will come out to work.

And the writing above about Thai workers is true about British workers, it's the same situation. Why make the low-paid workers in your own country compete against cheaper foreign workers ? They're already low-paid, you're putting them out of work by bringing in foreign workers.

Anyway, ASEAN is NOT about freedom of movement of all workers. Some people on Thai Visa think it is, but it's not.

And anyway, even if it was, would most Thais benefit from having a vast number of foreigners working in Thailand ? People on Thai Visa already make comments like "once we see freedom of movement of workers in ASEAN, the Thais are f____, the Thais simply are not going to be able to compete against the hard-working and cheaper workers of other ASEAN countries". Well, yes, those comments might be correct, that's why the Thais don't actually want to see a big increase in the number of foreign workers in Thailand.

Can anybody criticise most of the Thais for not wanting their country to receive a vast number of cheaper migrant workers ? Not as if it's going to happen, but still.

With between (an estimated) 2 - 3 million "migrant workers" already in Thailand right now, I'd say they've already received them and it's only going to increase.