Abstract: In anticipation of the commencement of the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) in 2015,
countries across the region are developing strategies to increase awareness and prepare their
populations to embrace this new phase of economic regionalization. This paper is the outcome of a
larger research project aimed at gaining insights into the extent to which tertiary students are
prepared to embrace the upcoming changes heralded by the implementation the AEC. It focuses on
evaluating the readiness of the students of a well-known Bangkok-based University in terms of
“knowledge levels” and “attitudes.” It also explores the differences between the responses across the
student demographics. All respondents were Thai nationals. In terms of the disclosed low levels of
knowledge, it would appear that students are not prepared. However, in terms of attitudes, it is clear
that the students are ready and willing to embrace the AEC.