Thailand will claim prime spot in asean community | Bangkok Post: news

Over the last two years I've been talking with a lot of people who are aware that the Asean Economic Community (AEC) will be formed in 2015 and have been preparing themselves and their organisations. But many others have not been preparing and some don't even know what the AEC is. That needs to change because the AEC has the potential to greatly benefit Thailand. Of course, there are some disadvantages we will face as well if we are not well prepared.

One thing is certain: More people will come to Thailand as the AEC creates an integrated regional economy with freer movement of goods, services, capital and people. This has major implications for the property market.

Tourist numbers are likely to increase tremendously. Where they will go? Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Samui will be the priority destinations for foreigners. Other places where the number of foreigners will likely increase include Hat Yai in the South, and cities like Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani and Nong Khai in the Northeast. Let's look at the potential positive effects from the AEC on specific areas of the Thai property market: