What measures should industries be taking universally in preparation for AEC?
All organisations at various levels have to join together to improve and leverage the standard of their industry in Thailand to maintain the country’s market position and cultural integrity. New innovative developments in terms of products and services should help to evolve the industry as Thailand remains a forward-looking environment for business. Development of facilities and infrastructure (again, with a universal standard) will support future growth. Thailand is able to leverage its international reputation for service regardless of the sector being considered. The country will need to maintain a strong government that is pro-business and pro-investment in order to support this objective. Centralised business operations (in Thailand or overseas) and control of licensing and franchising will help to evolve an international standard domestically, which positions the country to be most effective post-integration. The country needs to implement effective monitoring of hygiene, sanitation, cleanliness and the development of personnel across a variety of public facing sectors.
Whilst it is impossible for a single organisation to fully spearhead these widespread initiatives, companies should be looking at their own internal operations, structure, procedures and strategic planning and resources to be ready to exploit opportunities for growth, and mitigate any country-level perception threats.