The 100-page 58 Common Questions About the AEC booklet targets the general public while a 24-page comic book, Daddy, What is Asean?, is aimed at educating young people. It is hoped both will raise public awareness of the AEC prior to it coming into effect in 2015.
The Foreign Ministry's Asean Affairs Department produced the booklets.
Department director-general Arthayudh Srisamoot said Foreign Minister Surapong Tovichakchaikul would coordinate with the Interior Ministry to distribute the booklets to Thai families to help them understand what the AEC will mean to them.
Ten thousand copies of the first booklet and 50,000 copies of the comic book will be made available, he said, adding more copies can be produced if needed.
The first booklet will feature the answers to 58 questions about the AEC.
Some of the questions answered are: How different is the AEC from Asean?; How will customs clearance change once the AEC takes effect?; How should SMEs prepare for the AEC?; Why is the formation of the AEC important to Thailand's economy; Are visas required for Thais to travel to other Asean countries?
The cartoon booklet features a brother and a sister learning about Asean through their homework.
The story centres around Bua, and Kaew, her older brother. (Buakaew is the official emblem of the Foreign Ministry).
Their father is a knowledgeable man. He explains the history of Asean and the importance of the three Asean pillars of politics and security, economics, and social and cultural issues to his daughter who is writing a report about it. He also exchanges views with his son and helps his neighbours understand what will be happening after 2015.
He invites the provincial agricultural official and the provincial industry council staff to help explain the implications of the AEC to villagers.
Mr Arthayudh said the two booklets are available on the ministry's website.
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