This research aimed 1) to study the readiness of people to the ASEAN Community: a case study of Ban Hat Lek Permanent Border Crossing Point in Trat Province in the aspects of ASEAN Political –Security Community (APSC), ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community (ASCC), 2) to examine the condition influencing the ASEAN Community, and 3) to investigate the problems affecting the ASEAN Community. The qualitative research methodology was used in this study with the use of in-depth interviews and triangulation technique. The data were collected from 12 key informants.
The following findings reported the 3 aspects of people’s readiness to the ASEAN Community: 1) APSC, most people realized the importance of the community integration for the political security in ASEAN. The equality, non-conflicts among the ASEAN nations, the resistance to corruption, drug, and human trafficking, the rule of law and good governance promotion, the support to natural disaster situations, and peaceful co-existence were found, 2) AEC, the trade negotiations with other regions, incomes increased from the investment promotion, free trade and tourism, and tariff reductions were shown; however, people still lack the knowledge of agreements and the exchange rate, and 3) ASCC, the relationship bonding, trust, preservation of traditions, way of life, and identity among the similar ASEAN cultures, generosity, regional cooperation, and cultural exchange were indicated.
The recommendations were given in this study. Thai government should set the educational policy promoting the 3 pillars of the ASEAN Community. The government plan should be put into practice by local administrative organizations and local people should be prepared and provided with the knowledge of the ASEAN Community.
