The latest Bangkok Poll by Bangkok University Research Center indicated more than 60 per cent of youth in the Thai capital admitted they have insufficient information on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) taking effect in 2015.
The survey on 'the enthusiasm of Thai youth on AEC taking effect in 2015' was conducted among 1,116 persons aged 15-25 years.
Only 14 per cent of those surveyed said they have enough information on the matter.
However, about three-fourths of respondents believed Thailand will benefit from entering the ASEAN Economic Community.
Regarding member countries that are main competitors to Thailand, almost 40 per cent of respondents identified Singapore, followed by Vietnam and Malaysia at 21 and 11 per cent respectively.
Thailand's potential to compete in the AEC ranks in the middle range, according to the opinion of 67 per cent of those surveyed. Fourteen per cent said the country is at the top level, while 18 per cent said it ranks at the bottom.
Obstacles causing Thailand to be in a disadvantage in AEC are Thailand's domestic political conflicts, as viewed by 29 per cent of respondents, followed by the limited English-language skills of Thais at 26 per cent, and corruption at 18 per cent.
On a related response, almost half of those surveyed at 49 per cent said they believed Thai youngsters can compete with teenagers in other ASEAN countries. Thirty-seven said they are uncertain if they will be able to compete, while 13 per cent viewed they do not think they can.
When asked how educational institutes help provide knowledge on AEC, 30 per cent said it is inserted in their curriculum. Twenty-six per cent said more English courses are offered, and 22 per cent said related-AEC activities such as exhibitions and quiz games are held.
Almost 60 per cent of the surveyed adolescents said they want the government to support English teaching for communication as preparedness before AEC takes effect, followed by curriculum improvement and more of educational opportunities for youngsters (18 per cent), as well as providing knowledge and preparedness to enter the AEC (12 per cent). - MCOT