BANGKOK, 11 June 2012 – Opposition leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has advised that the government should rush to improve the country’s logistics system in preparation for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) formation in 2015.
During a speech on the “Future of Thailand in the AEC”, the former prime minister stated that the global changes have been predicted to allow the Asia-Pacific region to become the center of the world’s economic growth. At the same time, these changes have conveniently favored the countries in the region, especially Thailand, which is expected to play a vital role in the AEC. However, transportation routes, such as roads and railways, are still a major obstruction in the attempt to establish a regional transportation network. Thus, investment in physical structures and the easing of rules and regulations concerning transportation should become the heart of the AEC’s potential development.
Mr. Abhisit said that the government should clearly establish and prioritize policies to promote Thailand as the hub of the AEC. Meanwhile, it should look for a financial source to fund the improvement of infrastructure in order to accommodate transportation and investment. Additionally, the government should analyze which sectors will be impacted by the AEC formation.
Given many sectors is expected to be at a disadvantage once the liberalization takes place, Mr. Abhisit suggested that the government should set up a fund to help possible victims of the change in the process of their adaptation.
