SWOT Analysis: Thailand

STRENGTHS Extensive knowledge and experience in Agriculture-based industries (e.g. Animals, Animal feeds, rice, rubber Global Kitchen Brand “Thai”

STRENGTHS Service Superior esp. in Spa, tourism, restaurant, health related services, entertainment Good Quality Products Skilled Labor/Value added – GSP esp. in export-oriented processing Innovative and creative

WEAKNESSES Lack of Language Competence No sufficient capital and very hard to get access to Financial Sources (We need to look at Taiwan PPP Module and Bangladesh Garmen Bank Model) Lack of interest and/or capital to acquire new technologies e.g. automate machines SME tend to produce OEM Products and has no own Brand

WEAKNESSES Lack of opportunity and or interest in live long learning, training on new skills Lack of Entrepreneurship and have paradigm of “Employee-ism” No Entrepreneurial/ SME Protection Policy Lack of Int’l mind “Entrepreneurs” and lack of knowledge of neighboring countries policies and procedures Low level of knowledge and appreciation of other countries culture, social life and business practices.

OPPORTUNITIES Bigger Market to GMS to ASEAN to ASEAN +++ More customers intake to Thailand to use Thai services and products Thai taste is known and appreciate by others – more chances to expand market overseas

OPPORTUNITIES Strategic location – in the central of GMS and ASEAN United with GMS and ASEAN can gain more bargaining power with other markets Can move or expand production base to other countries in ASEAN to take advantage of investment law and resources (land and labor)

THREATS High production cost in Thailand – make it less competitive Influx of cheaper goods Influx of knowledge migrants and skilled HRs Delay Tactic Political Disability

THREATS Thailand still lack of National Direction both at policy and implementation levels No real integration in the services of Thai Government Agencies M of Commerce – Export Promotion , Intellectual Property M of Industry – OSMEP, BOI M of Finance - Banks M of Science – Innovation Office Take over by strong companies from other ASEAN countries