Thread: A question of ASEAN

Anyone know the answer to this?

When they implement ASEAN thing on movement of people and working in ASEAN, does that mean that I will be able to hire Non Thai people from ASEAN countries with out having to go through the rigmarole you need to do for Non Thais? Will it be like if a UK citizen hops on a flight to France and can start work the next day with no tossing about, all legally?

Also, when will this come into effect?

I recall reading a while back that Thailand was out of step with the rest of the bloc on this one. No way I can see that they will actually throw out visa and work permit requirements for ASEAN citizens.

But, admittedly this is not a definitive answer (more to say I would not hold your breath).

Don't know the time table, but to start [2015] the free movement of labor is restricted to certain jobs [professions] from memory about 9. Jim

Interesting. Will do some real research and bring back the answers

Originally Posted by jamescollister

Don't know the time table, but to start [2015] the free movement of labor is restricted to certain jobs [professions] from memory about 9. Jim

This too is my understanding.
When fully implemented my understanding is that all citizens of ASEAN will be able to move freely but initially it is to be restricted to high value individuals,however that will be judged.
Hence the need for Thailand to revamp its education system.

What I have also found interesting is that I understand any ASEAN company will be able to own a controlling percentage of any ASEAN based company.
Therefore no more 51/49 split for ASEAN owned companies in Thailand.

My sense is that it will take some time for full implementation of all proposals

"white-collar" work in professions such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering, architecture and accounting

I bet Singapore opts out of this - a million people trying to move there to quadruple their salaries.

Originally Posted by pseudolus

"white-collar" work in professions such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering, architecture and accounting

I bet Singapore opts out of this - a million people trying to move there to quadruple their salaries.

At least two of those (medicine and dentistry) require local board certification. Doubt that even for professionals it will be quite that easy.

Originally Posted by nidhogg

Originally Posted by pseudolus

"white-collar" work in professions such as medicine, dentistry, nursing, engineering, architecture and accounting

I bet Singapore opts out of this - a million people trying to move there to quadruple their salaries.

At least two of those (medicine and dentistry) require local board certification. Doubt that even for professionals it will be quite that easy.

Fair point. Not relevant to me though. It was the only breakdown I could find.

Thailand won't make the cut.
English must be second language they are not even close

Originally Posted by bobo746

Thailand won't make the cut.
English must be second language they are not even close

INdeed - its why I want the fricking borders opened to ASEAN to get some Flippers in without all the hassle.

Originally Posted by jamescollister

Don't know the time table, but to start [2015] the free movement of labor is restricted to certain jobs [professions] from memory about 9. Jim

That's how it's projected to start, but in time the intention is to liberalise the entire process. And that's where the real problems will begin, imvho.

As it is, even with freedom for pros only, Singapore will need to adjust pdq as it becomes inundated with legal pro job seekers. Later on, well, take a look at the EU...

Originally Posted by leemo

As it is, even with freedom for pros only, .

Sorry. Made me laugh.......

Will be interesting to see how it plays out, may effect some of us who live and have business in ASEAN.
No borders for businesses, some nations allow farangs bigger leeway, own a business in another ASEAN nation, can that business set up in Thailand.
Will PR or citizenship of another ASEAN country allow you to reside in Thailand [like the EU], will Australians get a better deal here. Not a full member, but part of the club, things are going to change 2015 and don't think anyone knows how it will workout. Jim

Originally Posted by pseudolus

Interesting. Will do some real research and bring back the answers

I imagine that the prospective charter is available somewhere....[online?]

I'd like to read all this myself.

Originally Posted by thaimeme

Originally Posted by pseudolus

Interesting. Will do some real research and bring back the answers

I imagine that the prospective charter is available somewhere....[online?]

I'd like to read all this myself.

Wishful thinking. The official website is page after page of personally glorifying each individual person in the countries pushing towards this.

Originally Posted by pseudolus

Wishful thinking. The official website is page after page of personally glorifying each individual person in the countries pushing towards this.

Certainly is. After several "summits" nothing of substance has been codified. ASEAN Vision 2020 is nothing but a list of nice to have items. So far the only visible outcome I see is the standardized packaging of beverages.

Suppose one would call it great progress since the first ASEAN summit held in 1976. It took 38 years to accomplish standard packaging. Free movement of workers will be part of the ASEAN 2120 Vision I would think. Hang in there pseudo. Until then struggle on with hiring only Thai nationals.

Originally Posted by Norton

standardized packaging of beverages.

Even that is still up for negotiation after a last minute objection from someone.

Just my luck. I've just finished redoing my fridge shelves to accomodate those long john cans.

Originally Posted by Norton

long john cans.

aka real can of beer size rather than the oft used Shifter sized?

Interesting topic this, i cant get my head around the whole asean thing myself, But here in Laos i sense the Locals are getting overly excited about it , probably thinking it will unlock access to vast amounts of cash, my guess it will be good for some folk in Lao but things will likely carry on the way they always do, eg, the same people will be controlling the wealth and power. Mind you they are coming from a very low base so maybe it will be a winner for them , Fok knows.

Like all of these deals/free-trade agreements, not about people, but money.
From what I have read, ASEAN countries will have to tax imported goods at the same rate as locally produced goods.

Schools are big on it around here, ASEAN national flags, my 5 year old can recite all the nations.
Jim