From European Community to ASEAN Community: How to Improve Undergraduate Students’ English Skills by Integrating the King of Thailand’s Philosophy of A Sufficiency Economy with 3G

Abstract

A number of scholars may have thought that EC is more developed than ASEAN in all aspects and it is difficult for ASEAN to reach that stage. This article proposes that ASEAN can learn from EC without “using the similar management”. It is due to the difference in region, demographic, budget, education and culture. Therefore, “ASEAN can use their identity to develop ASEAN Community”. From this concept, ASEAN Community leaders can apply the Sufficiency Economy in the regional administration. It is pertinent to Sufficiency Economy philosophy in the government administration that “Sufficiency Economy philosophy means self-assess, self-estimate and should not compare with more powerful person. Since people do not have similar power. In the government administration, we can study from the developed country with the consideration of our own potential, and use it to the utmost benefit”. This article expects that Sufficiency Economy philosophy of King Bhumibol in lines with academic theory and research findings will beneficially support Thailand to be the leading country in ASEAN Community. It is another way to drive ASEAN to be the leader in the world community with the qualification of “sufficiency, noble and united” as in the ASEAN’s motto of “One Vision One Identity One Community”.

Keywords: ASEAN Community, European Community, Philosophy of Sufficiency Economy, 3G