Journal Press India^®

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This qualitative research aim to analyze the Chaing Mai tourism industry readiness for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Mutual recognition arrangement on tourism professionals (MRA-TP) by interviewing of manager and staff from Chiang Mai's top 5 hotels, top 5 restaurants and top five tourism agencies. The MRA-TP assess acquired Tourism skills and Awards ASEAN Recognized certificate allowing ASEAN labored Mobility. Results show Chiang Mai is not ready for MRA-TP implementation. Management likely will hire ASEAN foreigners. Ubiquitous poor English language abilities and weak training culture plague chiang Mai tourism industry. Low ASEAN and MRA-TP awareness inhibit implementation. Chiang Mai needs to prepare as soon as possible.

Keywords

ASEAN, MRA-TP, Tourism, Labor, Thailand, Chiang Mai, English

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