Inward FDI once reached
$7.50 billion USD and therefore assisted in the process of economic recovery from Asian
financial crisis in 1998 (UNCTAD, 2013). The regional integration of AEC will bring both
opportunities and challenges to the ASEAN countries. The importance of FDI as a
source of economic growth engine has been recognized by many, thus there is intense
competition among ASEAN countries in attracting FDI. Beyond this, and since impacts
of China’s economic growth can be transmitted to the typical Asian economy (CNN
Money, 2013), therefore for existing and future FDI inflow from China to be beneficial
to Thailand. The following issues or questions become pertinent for research. In what
sectors is incoming FDI from China directed?