Proposal on inviting foreign experts to work in Thailand

BANGKOK, March 15 (TNA) -- In an attempt to boost Thailand’s competitiveness, Issara Vongkusolkij, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), plans to propose Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-ocha to offer government’s special incentives which would induce foreign experts to work in Thailand. Mr Issara told journalists that the TCC would propose to a public-private joint committee meeting a study, approved earlier by the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking of the three private institutions (JSCCIB), comprising the Board of Trade of Thailand, the Federation of Thai Industries, and the Thai Bankers’ Association, which represents the private sector in the fields of commerce, industry and banking. The proposal was aimed at boosting Thailand’s competitiveness which would be in line with the 12th National Economic and Social Development Plan starting from 2017 to 2021. The Plan calls for national economic growth of a minimum of 5 per cent per year, enabling per capita income to rise to the maximum of 12,735 US dollars from around 5,700 – 5,800 US dollars currently. Also, a study by the International Institute for Management Development shows that the overall picture of Thailand’s production including agricultural and service sectors stood at 25,508 US dollars/person/year, much lower than several countries. For example, Malaysia’s production stands at 54,150 US dollars/person/year, the study shows. The TCC would propose that five business categories must be improved. They include a business establishment, a request for constructing office building, tax payment, procedures of import-export and a request for work permit. Mr Issara said TCC would also propose that national economy along with education must be reformed. Labour skills must be improved to at least 10 per cent from 5 per cent now out of the total workforce. The proposal would allow foreign experts and personnel to work in the country and have a permanent residence as well. He said the proposal would be submitted within one month. (TNA)