This independent study explores the problems faced by accountants in Chiang Mai,
Thailand, with respect to the presentation of financial statements. In the study a questionnaire
was used as the data collection method, and a total of 346 accountants in Chiang Mai returned the
questionnaire before the deadline set.
The research found that most respondents are in agreement with the standards set for the
presentation of financial statements (as revised in 2007), as well as the compulsory standards set
for brief-particulars within financial statements, as issued by the Department of Business
Development. They strongly agree that assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses should be
reported separately, and that important additional items should be reported separately within the
financial statement presentation.
Most respondents find presenting financial statements a moderately difficult task; the
most difficult aspect being to re-categorize the data from the previous accounting period, for
presentation in the current financial statement. Most respondents find producing the balance sheet
a moderately difficult task; the most difficult part being to determine if an asset is fixed or is part
of turnover. Most respondents find producing income statements a moderately difficult task; the
most difficult part being to report an accurate income figure. Most respondents find producing the
statement of changes a highly difficult task; the most difficult part being to write the report
according to the standards set. Most respondents find producing the flow statement a moderately
difficult task; with the most difficult part being to categorize the cash-flow types into operational,
investment and financial cash-flows. Most respondents find producing the notes to the financial
statement a very difficult task, due to businesses’ reluctance to disclose certain information.