ASEAN

[DanceAllNight]

When ASEAN becomes official shortly, what changes can we expect?

Will Laos, Myanmar and Cambodian beer be available here at a decent prices?

[lostoday]

Nothing will change. We can bet if you like?

[Crazy chef 1]

I rather prefer German beer will be available for a decent price....

[pgrahmm]

I don't think Asean will be good for Thailand.....It will bring about competition in - in different ways and areas in which Thailand is not ready or equipped to compete with.....Don't think there will be a lot of positives about it......

[DanceAllNight]

Well, Thailand better start getting more serious about learning and actually using English. Vietnam has them beat very bad on that level. And I'm sure in other areas of education as well.

[KhaoNiaw]

ASEAN has been official and Thailand a member since 1967.

[DanceAllNight]

31 December 2015: launch of the ASEAN Economic Community

[KhaoNiaw]

31 December 2015: launch of the ASEAN Economic Community

Exactly: the AEC...

[i claudius]

Yes they must get better in English,our son spent his young years in the UK now in his last year in Uni two firms are desperate to get him to work for them when he leaves just because his English is perfect

[lostoday]

Well, Thailand better start getting more serious about learning and actually using English. Vietnam has them beat very bad on that level. And I'm sure in other areas of education as well.

Surprising that the GDP of Vietnam is only 1/3rd of Thailand's. I'm sure the Thais are shaking in their Crocs.

[DanceAllNight]

Sure Thailand might have a good GDP now, but what about the future. Right?

And Vietnam is on the rise, while Thailand seems to be .... i don't know.

Also, Indonenia, Malaysia, Philippines.

For the time being, I feel certain that Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia will not catch up. Laos is just fine the way it is. Keep brewing those fine beers, and for Cambodia, keep the tourists happy with pizzas.

[swampdonkey]

Well, Thailand better start getting more serious about learning and actually using English. Vietnam has them beat very bad on that level. And I'm sure in other areas of education as well.

Surprising that the GDP of Vietnam is only 1/3rd of Thailand's. I'm sure the Thais are shaking in their Crocs.

They should be shaking

The farming and fishing sectors are both

Facing very difficult times.

[KhaoNiaw]

Thai companies that are prepared will do fine. A lot of people seem to assume that Thai companies are just sitting at home waiting for the competition to rock up. But plenty of Thai companies have been proactive in getting a start in other ASEAN markets. BJC, for example, have already taken advantage of changes Vietnam has made ahead of the AEC and taken a big share of the convenience store sector and other areas.