In line with the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) which will take effect in 2015, the Thai government aims to become center for Regional Operating Headquarter (ROH) for multinational companies who would like to setup their ROH to expand their operation within the ASEAN region or to prepare itself for the upcoming AEC. Being strategically located within the Southeast Asia region with networks of modern infrastructures, quality skilled labor, easy access to raw materials and attractive tax incentives significantly represent as a cost-effective investment for any companies who want to save costs and at the same time, still remain competitive. Government policies also contribute to Thailand’s apparent strengths in its position as a strategically located business hub and center for production and regional outsourcing.

The Thailand Board of Investment (BOI) act as a focal point for the investors in dealing with different government agencies by bringing together under one roof the representatives from different relevant ministries. The Thailand BOI offers assistance on applications for business licenses, factory certification, environmental impact assessments and many other matters. Besides Regional Operating Headquarter, the Board of Investment of Thailand is also promoting the following related activities with tax and non-tax incentives vary depending on the activities.

• International Procurement Offices, involving sourcing, quality control and packaging
• Trade and Investment Support Offices
• International Distribution Centers
• Distribution Centers
• Research and Development

For investors who are interested in establishing the Regional Operating Headquarter in Thailand, please visit the BOI’s website www.boi.go.th for more details on incentives and conditions in setting up a ROH. Need further assistance in setting up Regional Operating Headquarters and other business forms in Thailand, contact English speaking ThaiLawyers for business registration, license application, visa and work permit services.

As a move to prepare Thailand for ASEAN Community (AC), which is set to be formed in 2015, the Thai Ministry of Labour proposes Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESB) 10 projects, hoping that the country will have labour protection standard that is recognized at international level, and will be prototype of human resource development for other countries.

The Thai government has resolved to have the NESDB, the Secretariat of the Cabinet, and concerned agencies mapped out a master plan to help prepare Thailand for the AC and to have these agencies work together to help push the AC into existence by 2015.

The Ministry of Labour has been tasked to arrange a three-year government operational plan (2013-2015) as well as other plans and projects to help Thailand prepare for the AC. They must be in line with the building of the AC, which consists of three main pillars namely ASEAN Security Community, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community. The Ministry has also instructed concerned agencies to map out 10 projects to help Thailand prepare for the AC and rank them in order of importance, from the least important project to the flagship project.

So far, three projects were designed by Department of Employment such as:

– Information system development project to support free flow of labour,

– Laws/rules/regulation improvement project, and

– Awareness building project on decent work.

The Department of Skill Development has designed two projects:

– Skill development project for the preparation of the AEC, and;

– Occupational skill development projects for women, youth, old-age people, people with disability, and informal workers.

Meanwhile, the Department of Labour Protection and Welfare has designed two projects: a project to create workplace prototype and a project to improve labour management.

The Office of Social Security has also designed 2 projects, which are:

– A project to transform the workers rehabilitation center into the South East Asian workers rehabilitation training center with comprehensive training curriculum for workers with disability, and

– A project for the protection of ASEAN social security rights.

Moreover, Office of the Permanent Secretary has also designed one project, which is a study of capability of Thai workers in trade, service, and investment sectors.

Implementation of these projects has yet to be announced.

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