However, there is another issue that should put fear in the government of Thailand. English is the official language of ASEAN and it is the language that is used for communication. Thailand’s most skilled and brightest are generally fluent in English and they could be looking for opportunities available in other countries where licensure is available in English. The language restrictions on recognized professions does not prevent Thai professions from attempting to become licensed in a foreign ASEAN country where licensure exams are conducted in English or in countries that accept third country professional licenses.
ASEAN’s liberalization of barriers for skilled labor might create a brain drain for Thailand. Internationally inclined and skilled Thai professionals could leave the country. The best and the brightest Thai nationals who are able to communicate effectively in English may be attracted to working in a foreign country. They benefit from having a larger number of employers to market their skill set. Working in international firms could lead to additional opportunities, higher wages, and benefits for them.
The combination of language restrictions to professionals and the liberalization of skilled labor markets in ASEAN will make Thailand highly uncompetitive in ASEAN for skilled labor. There are multiple options for Thailand. Thailand could keep the status quo and hope that Thai professionals do not leave the country in large amounts. Thailand could opt out of the “free flow of labor” article in ASEAN to prevent Thai professionals from easy employment access to other ASEAN nations. Or Thailand could remove the language restrictions and open up their local markets to increase competition. All of their options have their advantages and disadvantages.