The ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement on Tourism Professionals in Thailand: A Mixed Blessing?

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Philip Nicholls

Abstract

This paper explores aspects of the possible constraints on job mobility in the tourism and hospitality industry in Thailand relative to the anticipated outcomes that may flow from the implementation of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement on Tourism Professionals, once the ASEAN Economic Community becomes operative in 2015. A range of issues come into focus. While issues that promote workplace mobility, job satisfaction and motivation are well known and have been the subject of exhaustive academic research, this paper aims to explore what may be termed the less obvious factors which may constrain Thai intra-ASEAN work-flows. The historical record suggests that the movement of workers into and out of Thailand is asymmetrical, with the inflow exceeding the outflow. The reverse is true of a number of other ASEAN nations. The conclusions cannot be definitive given that the MRA will not come into operation until late 2015, or 2016 at the earliest. There is, however, a strong indication that the inflow of hospitality industry workers into Thailand will far exceed the outflow. Such factors as low levels of English proficiency, high levels of employment and embedded cultural traits may collectively influence the extent to which Thais take advantage of the ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement on Tourism Professionals. The conclusions to this research suggest that initiatives may be needed in both the educational and tourism management contexts.

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How to Cite
Nicholls, P. (2014). The ASEAN Mutual Recognition Agreement on Tourism Professionals in Thailand: A Mixed Blessing?. AU-GSB E-JOURNAL, 7(1). Retrieved from http://www.assumptionjournal.au.edu/index.php/AU-GSB/article/view/442
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Author Biography

Philip Nicholls

Philip Nicholls LLB PhD, Sakhon Nakhon Rajabhat University, Thailand.