The Joint Foreign Chambers of Commerce in Thailand (JFCCT) issued a statement urging Thailand to sort out the political impasse as soon as possible so that it could start working harder on the long must-do list ahead of the launch of the Asean Economic Community (AEC) in 2015. It encouraged the speedy resolution of the political problems so that the government can complete the required regulatory and process changes it must make to implement the AEC agreements. A main concern is that if the work is not completed and Thailand does not join the AEC (or the AEC fails) that Thailand will fall behind its neighbors in many economic and development areas. "A number of specific changes to laws and procedures are required to ensure smooth implementation and to allow Thai companies and citizens to obtain the benefits envisioned. The current political situation, unclear outcome of elections, uncertainty of government functions and control issues raise significant concern in terms of decision making and implementation capabilities. Some changes will require a functioning parliament." The JFCCT made this statement as a concerned stakeholder in Thailand's future and not as a player in the current political situation. The JFCCT is the overall organisation covering 29 foreign chambers of commerce and business associations in Thailand with over 8,000 member firms.
