But, as with most big, ambitions new government plans there will be perceived winners and losers.
Among the major winners from Thailand’s participation under the AEC should be the Thai consumer.
Implementing a policy of free flow of goods and investment throughout the region should reduce transaction costs and help to drive down the cost of goods produced in the region.
Another major winner should be Thailand listed companies and other large Thailand companies looking to find new markets for their products and services throughout the region. The removal of the trade barriers as required by the AEC should open up interesting opportunities for Thai companies looking to expand their customer base and diversify their businesses.
However, many of Thailand’s SME’s will likely see these coming changes a bit differently. Although SME’s, also, stand to benefit from Thailand’s participation under the AEC, many will likely feel threatened by the provisions of the AEC requiring Thailand to open up to its market to increased foreign competition.
This situation sets the stage for an intense policy debate in Thailand (and the other ASEAN countries as well) leading up to 2015.