Thai government sector not yet ready

The private sector however is ready for the Asean Community in its knowledge and experience in competition.
"Thailand's government and politicians still lack direction, knowledge and capabilities necessary to protect the national interest," Surin was quoted as saying by Thai News Agency.
He attributed the unreadiness to the deep-rooted patronage system in the Thai government sector that, he said, blocks capable officials from reaching key positions where the national interest can be protected.
Surin considers Thai politics as having been trapped in considerable conflict. He suggested that politics be developed to quickly ensure complete participation and general acceptance.
The development would allow Thailand to have capable representatives in negotiations with other Asean members, he said.
Surin was speaking at an international seminar on "Asean Youth in the Asean Community and the Global Community at Thammasat University."
Asked about Asean's readiness to become a community, Surin said that the grouping had never been a single body as intended.
He said that it had not developed even one single market where non-tariff trade barriers were lifted.