Regarding the AEC, most SMEs have little understanding or knowledge about it, and believe that liberalizations will have either a positive impact or none on their business. Businesses in the agricultural and
manufacturing sectors foresee opportunities for exporting into ASEAN, while retail and services businesses see prospects to build new business alliances. On the other hand, Thai SMEs are also concerned about an increase in competition from within ASEAN. Most SMEs have prepared for this pressure by finding cheaper raw materials in ASEAN and improving their internal structures.