TABLE OF CONTENTS


I.   COMMERCIAL OVERVIEW...................................  3

II.  LEADING TRADE PROSPECTS FOR U.S. BUSINESS.............  6

III. ECONOMIC TRENDS AND OUTLOOK...........................  7
     A.  Major Trends and Outlook..........................  7
     B.  Pincipal Growth Sectors...........................  7
     C.  Government Role in the Economy....................  8
     D.  Balance of Payments Situation.....................  9
     E.  Trade Barriers....................................  9
     F.  Labor Force....................................... 10
     G.  Infrastructure Situation.......................... 11
     H.  Major Infrastructure Projects Underway............ 11

IV.  POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT................................. 12

V.   MARKETING U.S. PRODUCTS AND SERVICES.................. 14
     A.  Distribution and Sales Channels................... 14
     B.  Use of Agents/Distributors; Finding a Partner..... 14
     C.  Franchising....................................... 15
     D.  Direct Marketing.................................. 15
     E.  Joint Ventures/Licensing.......................... 15
     F.  Steps to Establshing an Office.................... 16
     G.  Selling Factors/Techniques........................ 16
     H.  Pricing Product................................... 17
     I.  Selling to the Government......................... 17
     J.  Protecting Your Products from IPR Infringement.... 18
     K.  Need for a Local Attorney......................... 18

VI.  TRADE REGULATIONS AND STANDARDS....................... 19
     A.  Tariffs and Import Taxes.......................... 19
     B.  Customs Valuation................................. 19
     C.  Import Licenses................................... 20
     D.  Export Controls................................... 20
     E.  Import/Export Documentation....................... 21
     F.  Temporary Entry................................... 21
     G.  Labeling, Marking Requirements.................... 21
     H.  Prohibited Imports................................ 22
     I.  Standards......................................... 22
     J.  Free Trade Zones/Bonded Warehouses................ 22
     K.  Membership in Free Trade Arrangements............. 23

VII. INVESTMENT CLIMATE.................................... 24
     A.  Openness to Foreign Investment.................... 24
     B.  Conversion and Transfer Policies.................. 28
     C.  Expropriation and Compensation.................... 28
     D.  Investment Disputes/Dispute Settlement............ 28
     E.  Performance Requirements/Incentives............... 28
     F.  Right to Private Ownership and Establishment...... 29
     G.  Protection of Property Rights..................... 29
     H.  Regulatory System:  Laws and Procedures........... 31
     I.  Capital Markets and Portfolio Investment.......... 32
     J.  Political Violence................................ 33
     K.  Bilateral Investment Agreements................... 33
     L.  Labor............................................. 34
     M.  Foreign Trade Zones/Free Ports.................... 36
     N.  Capital Outflow Policy............................ 36
     O.  Major Foreign Investors........................... 36
     P.  Embassy Support................................... 37

VIII.TRADE AND PROJECT FINANCING........................... 38
     A.  The Banking System................................ 38
     B.  Foreign Exchange Controls Affecting Trading....... 40
     C.  Exports:  Methods of Payments..................... 40
     D.  Export Financing and Insurance.................... 41

IX.  BUSINESS TRAVEL....................................... 45
     A.  Business Customs.................................. 45
     B.  Travel Advisory and Visas......................... 45
     C.  Holidays.......................................... 46
     D.  Business Infrastructure........................... 46

APPENDICES................................................. 48
     APPENDIX A
          COUNTRY DATA..................................... 48
     APPENDIX B
          BEST PROSPECTS FOR U.S. EXPORTS.................. 53
     APPENDIX C
          U.S. AND THAILAND CONTACTS....................... 80
     APPENDIX D
          MARKET RESEARCH.................................. 93
     APPENDIX E
          TRADE EVENT SCHEDULE............................. 95