Is Thailand REALLY ready for the AEC?

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STREETWISE
Is Thailand REALLY ready for the AEC?

BANGKOK: -- Former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij should be commended for his devotion. As chairman of the Democrat Party's policy unit, he has proved that his eyes and ears are open to every nuance of national policy.

The latest proof came at a talk on "Asean Economic Integration: Will the Asean Way Get in the Way?", hosted by Chulalongkorn University last month. Indicating that he had been glued to the junta's TV programme on the achievements of its first eight months in power, Korn noted that during its 90-minute talk by Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, the word "AEC" had not been mentioned even once. Neither was it mentioned during the next two and half hours, in which ministers reported on the performance of their respective areas.

Korn did not hide his deep concern that economic integration would fail to materialise at the end of this year, as planned. Aside from the Thai leadership's lack of attention, he was worried about the general public's readiness for integration. His fears centre on our level of English-language proficiency. He recalled a visit upcountry where he met a mother who proudly said that her 11-year-old had top-scored in English at school. As a test, he asked the girl what the verb "to do" means. The girl didn't have a clue, and nor did her sister, reported Korn.

"If awareness of the AEC is highest in Thailand, that's worrying, because awareness in Thailand is still very low," he said.

Well, Korn should at least be glad that the junta has taken some action, seven months ahead of the deadline.

Last week, after a briefing on preparations, Prayut appointed himself chairman of the working group on political integration.

Meanwhile, Prawit Wongsuwan, a lifelong general and currently deputy prime minister for security, has been appointed chairman of the working group on economic integration. (Pridiyathorn Devakula, deputy PM on economic affairs, is chairman of the social and cultural integration pillar.)

The prime minister has also insisted that Thailand is ready for the AEC. As if addressing Korn's concerns, he said that readiness was not gauged by English proficiency alone. Yet, he tacitly acknowledged the problem by revealing that the Education Ministry has been ordered to promote more use of English among Thais, as well as the teaching of our neighbours' languages. It seems the PM realises that English - spoken by 1.2 billion around the globe and chief among the United Nations' six official languages - is key to our future.

His conviction is heartening. But I also count myself among the doubters over Thailand's readiness for economic integration.

Following the briefing on AEC preparations, the government's website published an article claiming that Thailand is second only to Singapore in terms of readiness. It said Thailand had realised 80 per cent of the Asean blueprint for integration.

Just before Prayut headed to Kuala Lumpur for last month's Asean Summit, Deputy Commerce Minister Apiradee Tantraporn claimed that Thailand had realised 93.3 per cent of the blueprint, with only 34 measures left to be completed ahead of deadline time, including the ratification of trade accords. This information was also available on the government's website.

Amid the conflicting data, the prime minister demonstrated his leadership. Last week, he urged all to deliver a vision of integration for the next 10 years and specify how Thailand could achieve it. He emphasised that the public should know both the advantages and the disadvantages associated with integration.

In doing so he fulfilled the vow he made in December with other regional leaders in signing the Nay Pyi Taw Declaration on the Asean Community's Post-2015 Vision to "shape a bold and forward-looking future for Asean which will enhance and strengthen the Asean Community and enable the realisation of a politically cohesive, economically integrated, socially responsible, and a truly people-oriented, people-centred and rules-based Asean".

As integration draws near, academics, the business sector and the general public remain confused over what exactly will follow after the launch at the end of this year. "The [AEC] is just one mission accomplished. People are wondering what will come after 2015," Michael Yeoh, CEO of the Malaysia-based Asian Strategy and Leadership Institute, told a recent China Daily roundtable on the theme "China, Asean and the New Silk Road - Global Financial Perspectives".

Experts at the roundtable meeting agreed that Asean needs new plans for the post-2015 period and the new era of a single regional market.

Having the vision is good. But we also need the correct information to shape it.

What is necessary in Thailand and other Asean members -including least-developed countries like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar - are concerted efforts to keep tabs on the progress of integration.

Awareness of the AEC is apparent among rich landowners in border provinces, who are busy buying up tracts in the anticipation that integration will boost land prices. But whether that awareness is spreading through the rest of the country remains a big question. If the AEC still seems a faraway fantasy to many Thais, how can we envisage life after 2015?

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/opinion/Is-Thailand-REALLY-ready-for-the-AEC-30259859.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-12

[trogers]

They would be ready when being elbowed and left behind at the start of the gun.

[Tatsujin]

In a word ... "no" ... in a slightly longer sentence ... "not even close to being ready and won't be ready for at least another decade as they still haven't realized the implications of what they've signed up for" ...

[selftaopath]

IMO Thailand is a "lost cause" in many many ways. It will continue in decline. It could be different but that would take a great deal of willingness to change.

[otherstuff1957]

The only ASEAN country that is halfway ready for the AEC is Singapore. I suspect that the AEC will commence with a big ceremony, lots of speeches and little actual economic change. Many of the ASEAN countries have immigration, import/export and labor laws that will override the AEC agreements and I predict that we will see little real change next year.

[Praematura]

Never going to happen. They should just officially become another Chinese province.

[Yann55]

I can't help but be disturbed when I read about this English issue. I suppose most TVF readers, who happen to be native English speakers, find it absolutely normal, but honestly, I don't.

Yes, OK, OK, English is the (so-called) 'international language', but is it really the #1 issue when discussing integration into the ASEAN ? Are all the countries of ASEAN English-speaking countries ? Errr.... I don't think so.

I totally agree that the teaching of English in Thai schools is downright pathetic, which definitely poses a problem to Thais who have to deal with western tourists (not that said Thais seem to care much about it, though. Most of the time they'll just giggle their way through).

But ... ASEAN ? On that chapter, I'd say the lack of knowledge about their neighbours is the #1 problem in Thailand. Try asking Thais what is the capital of this or that ASEAN country, try asking them is Sumatra is a country or a province, try asking them where mount Everest is, try asking them when Indonesia became independant, etc etc. The result, most of the time is absolute ignorance and a good measure of silly giggle which clearly means : I don't know and actually I don't give a sh*t !

Edited May 12, 2015 by Yann55

[selftaopath]

Never going to happen. They should just officially become another Chinese province.

Ah yea but... the Chinese have been executing some high ranking officials who are corrupt. lol lol lol Soooooooooooooooooooooo lol

[otherstuff1957]

I can't help but be disturbed when I read about this English issue. I suppose most TVF readers, who happen to be native English speakers, find it absolutely normal, but honestly, I don't.

Yes, OK, OK, English is the (so-called) 'international language', but is it really the #1 issue when discussing integration into the ASEAN ? Are all the countries of ASEAN English-speaking countries ? Errr.... I don't think so.

I totally agree that the teaching of English in Thai schools is downright pathetic, which definitely poses a problem to Thais who have to deal with western tourists (not that said Thais seem to care much about it, though. Most of the time they'll just giggle their way through).

But ... ASEAN ? On that chapter, I'd say the lack of knowledge about their neighbours is the #1 problem in Thailand. Try asking Thais what is the capital of this or that ASEAN country, try asking them is Sumatra is a country or a province, try asking them where mount Everest is, try asking them when Indonesia became independant, etc etc. The result, most of the time is absolute ignorance and a good measure of silly giggle which clearly means : I don't know and actually I don't give a sh*t !

Overall ignorance of their neighbors is indeed a problem. However, English ability is not just needed for tourism. I work part-time for a Thai advertising company that runs multi-national campaigns in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and especially Myanmar. All of the communication between their partners in these countries as well as marketing materials has to be in English.

No Thais are going to learn Burmese or Vietnamese, and vice versa, so English is needed for communication between the ASEAN countries.

[Just1Voice]

Thailand is ready for the AEC? Is it April Fools Day already?

[clockman]

In there dreams!

[arfurcrown]

The Thai's started off down this road 20 years back and they still haven't passed the first milestone. They think they are going to be the tail wagging the dog or something in that area on a male dog. Sorry Thai peeps you're going to be the mutt feeding on the scraps if you're lucky.

[noahvail]

I'm curious about the import and export forms. Are they still all in Thai? That means interpreters are needed, which adds to cost and slows things doown. I just looked at the kor sor kor 99, and it's all in Thai.

[fred Kubasa]

If, by readiness, it is meant the paperwork is near completion, then that is probably so - the paperwork but not the people.

Second only to Singapore is a dream and, simply, ignores Hong Kong, S. Korea, Japan, etc., who are far in advance of Thailand in a series of categories.

[i claudius]

I can't help but be disturbed when I read about this English issue. I suppose most TVF readers, who happen to be native English speakers, find it absolutely normal, but honestly, I don't.

Yes, OK, OK, English is the (so-called) 'international language', but is it really the #1 issue when discussing integration into the ASEAN ? Are all the countries of ASEAN English-speaking countries ? Errr.... I don't think so.

I totally agree that the teaching of English in Thai schools is downright pathetic, which definitely poses a problem to Thais who have to deal with western tourists (not that said Thais seem to care much about it, though. Most of the time they'll just giggle their way through).

But ... ASEAN ? On that chapter, I'd say the lack of knowledge about their neighbours is the #1 problem in Thailand. Try asking Thais what is the capital of this or that ASEAN country, try asking them is Sumatra is a country or a province, try asking them where mount Everest is, try asking them when Indonesia became independant, etc etc. The result, most of the time is absolute ignorance and a good measure of silly giggle which clearly means : I don't know and actually I don't give a sh*t !

Whether anyone likes it or not English is the major world language,in business it is essential if you wish to get on ,our son who spent many years in school in the UK is being "courted by firms as he goes into his last year in Uni,because he is so fluent in it,all his friends speak it,their parents know how important it is,sorry to all who do not like it ,but it is ESSENTIAL

[edmartech]

If, by readiness, it is meant the paperwork is near completion, then that is probably so - the paperwork but not the people.

Second only to Singapore is a dream and, simply, ignores Hong Kong, S. Korea, Japan, etc., who are far in advance of Thailand in a series of categories.

You do know that those three countries you mentioned are not part of ASEAN? Don't you?

[brain150]

The whole ASEAN idea is a bad thing !

The rich will be richer and the other will be poorer !!!

That's how it works with all this BS "trade agreements" ... nothing free about it

[Your Thainess]

If, by readiness, it is meant the paperwork is near completion, then that is probably so - the paperwork but not the people.

Second only to Singapore is a dream and, simply, ignores Hong Kong, S. Korea, Japan, etc., who are far in advance of Thailand in a series of categories.

You do know that those three countries you mentioned are not part of ASEAN? Don't you?

You do know that since 1997 those three countries have been party to the ASEAN Plus 3 organization? Don't you?

But anyway, the real story is: The AEC is not ready for Thailand.

[i claudius]

No one is ready for Thailand!!!

[skildpadden]

As many other posters said: In short, no they are not ready for AEC.

English (or Chinese Mandarin?) is necessary as lingua franca for common understanding of officical documents, day to day business life and to ensure a free movement of goods and labor to name a few things.

The English level has been under any reasonable standard due to ignoring of facts and needs for improvement during the last 30 years. So nobody (red shirt, yellow shirt, Democrat, PTP, militray coups etc) are better than the other in this respect. Everybody can cheat their way through even college, so no wonder that a top English student knows nothing when asked. English is as far as I know still not an official second laguage even though been talkiing about it the last many years (please correct if I am wrong).

But English language aside I would be pleasantly surprised if Thailand by start 2016 actually will have e.g. (according to the blueprint):

• Zero tariffs and the removal of non-tariff barriers
• Single decision-making for customs clearance of cargo
• Removed substantially all restrictions on trade in services for 4 priority services sectors, air transport, e-ASEAN, healthcare and tourism.
• Developed and applied fisheries quality management system
• Fully implemented the Work Plan for ASEAN Cooperation on Copyrights
• Etc, etc, etc

[trogers]

Any of you read about or seen the movie 'King Naresuan'?

The Thai mentality is always of disunity and 'mai pen rai', until they meet some threat or is conquered.

They would then wake up and put up a strong fight.

Edited May 12, 2015 by trogers

[Stradavarius37]

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

IMO Thailand is a "lost cause" in many many ways. It will continue in decline. It could be different but that would take a great deal of willingness to change.

Well, opinions are like a##holes....everybody's got one...

[NongKhaiKid]

Thailand is protectionist at the best of times and in the last week I've heard reports on BBC that the Singapore govt wants preference given to hiring locals in the professions plus Indonesia also wants their locals to be first choice.

At the end of the year all these nations plus the others to form AEC are to come together and form a common bond ?

[laocowboy2]

In a word ... "no" ... in a slightly longer sentence ... "not even close to being ready and won't be ready for at least another decade as they still haven't realized the implications of what they've signed up for" ...

Unfortunately they have treated the AEC like everything else - something to (a) delay compliance measures as long as possible followed ( by a 'box-ticking' exercise. Pass some regulations, issue a few ordinances, alter some official rule books and job done.

Except that it isn't. And it won't be. And blathering on about 'thainess' will cut no ice with the rest of ASEAN. Gilbert & Sullivan operetta in Thai.

[laocowboy2]

I can't help but be disturbed when I read about this English issue. I suppose most TVF readers, who happen to be native English speakers, find it absolutely normal, but honestly, I don't.

Yes, OK, OK, English is the (so-called) 'international language', but is it really the #1 issue when discussing integration into the ASEAN ? Are all the countries of ASEAN English-speaking countries ? Errr.... I don't think so.

I totally agree that the teaching of English in Thai schools is downright pathetic, which definitely poses a problem to Thais who have to deal with western tourists (not that said Thais seem to care much about it, though. Most of the time they'll just giggle their way through).

But ... ASEAN ? On that chapter, I'd say the lack of knowledge about their neighbours is the #1 problem in Thailand. Try asking Thais what is the capital of this or that ASEAN country, try asking them is Sumatra is a country or a province, try asking them where mount Everest is, try asking them when Indonesia became independant, etc etc. The result, most of the time is absolute ignorance and a good measure of silly giggle which clearly means : I don't know and actually I don't give a sh*t !

Overall ignorance of their neighbors is indeed a problem. However, English ability is not just needed for tourism. I work part-time for a Thai advertising company that runs multi-national campaigns in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam and especially Myanmar. All of the communication between their partners in these countries as well as marketing materials has to be in English.

No Thais are going to learn Burmese or Vietnamese, and vice versa, so English is needed for communication between the ASEAN countries.

And in Vietnam (from my limited experience) English language skills are much better than in Thailand despite the colonial power having been France - so French language skills also present.

[Thai at Heart]

Thailand refuses to engage it, because they think they have nothing to gain from it.

Well, when FDI starts pouring into their neighbours and they realise they have missed the boat, that will be the time for tears.

FDI is already stalled in Thailand and is starting to pick up in the neighbouring countries. Either Thailand gets off its high horse and knuckles down to truly become a "hub", or it will lose out big time over the next 10 years.

[Benmart]

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

IMO Thailand is a "lost cause" in many many ways. It will continue in decline. It could be different but that would take a great deal of willingness to change.

Well, opinions are like a##holes....everybody's got one...

Everyone has an opportunity to post. The test is to support one's position with intelligence and civility.

[BSJ]

Obvious to me is I haven't followed the topic as closely as many of you so I don't know if all your comments are accurate.

I do know the teaching of English in schools is abysmal, and even in tourist areas the Thai verbalization of English is often below par.

But it will get better....of course not by the end of this year, or even the next, but it will in time as companies see opportunities lost and potential profits go to someone else and in turn they will push their Thai employees to learn or improve their English skills.

[bangon04]

If, by readiness, it is meant the paperwork is near completion, then that is probably so - the paperwork but not the people.

Second only to Singapore is a dream and, simply, ignores Hong Kong, S. Korea, Japan, etc., who are far in advance of Thailand in a series of categories.

Luckily for Thailand, none of those 3 are members of ASEAN.....

"What is necessary in Thailand and other Asean members -including least-developed countries like Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar - "

odd how dismissive the Thais can be of Myanmar - it should be obvious, even to the Thais, that the Burmese are already light years ahead in English competence, work ethic, skills levels, general education and potential for investment and commerce.

[Nick167]

Why people speak bad thailand.....thailand good! Thailand number One....thailand can be hub for the world.......