Bid to promote Thai accountancy, nursery professions after AC formation

BANGKOK, December 15 (TNA) - As the ASEAN Community (AC) will be established by the end of this year, experts are attempting to promote Thai accountancy and nursery, apart from other professions, in the new regional single market. Prof. Dr. Patcharawalai Wongboonsin of Bangkok-based Chulalongkorn University told a seminar, organised by the International Institute for Trade and Development in Bangkok on December 15, that there will be free movement of accountancy and nursery professionals in AC as of early 2016. Prof. Dr. Patcharawalai acknowledged that Thailand, which is a member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), has potential to produce most accountants in AC, or about 35.24 per cent of those totally registered at the ASEAN Federation of Accountants. Prof. Dr. Patcharawalai pointed out that several countries, such as Indonesia and Singapore, need more experienced accountants and want foreign accountants to work in their countries. According to the senior professor, Thai nurses meet required international standards and can compete in overseas markets where they could earn a high salary. Likewise, Thailand will open the professions freely to attract a huge investment in the domestic health service industry. Meanwhile, Kamaline Pinitpuvadol, Executive Director of the International Institute for Trade and Development, said Tuesday's seminar allowed participants to raise the two professions for discussions, covering the shortage of skilled accountants and nurses in Thailand and other countries in the region. Kamaline suggested that Thailand be well-prepared for accepting foreign professionals and to also send Thai professionals to work abroad after the establishment of AC. (TNA)