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The Social Security Act (the “Act”) requires employers, employees and the government to contribute the Social Security Fund (the “Fund”). The purpose of the Fund is to insure employees against costs incurred by: non‐work related injury; illness; invalidity; death; maternity; child support; retirement pension; or unemployment.

The Employees Compensation Act (the “Act”) requires an employer with one employee or more to register employees (with the exception of certain categories of employees such as government officials and teachers at private schools) with the Employees Compensation Fund (the “Fund”) at the Social Security Office. The purpose of the Fund is to compensate employees — or their estate — for lost wages in the event of the employee’s employment‐related injury, illness, or death, as well as for such an employee’s, medical treatment and rehabilitation, or funeral costs.

When an employer’s work force totals one hundred or more employees, the Skill Development Promotion Act (the “Act”) must be considered. The objectives of the Act are to promote and support occupational skill training and upgrade skill standards for employed labor in Thailand.

Since 1971, the EU’s Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) allows developing countries easier market access to the European Union through tariff reductions. It is a unilateral measure by the EU and there is no expectation or requirement that this access is reciprocated by the countries concerned.

Historically, obtaining a desired business license, registration, or other requisite government permission has often been time consuming and incurred arguably unnecessary costs in Thailand. Such inefficiencies stem in large part from the broad discretion government offices are generally given to determine what an applicant must do or provide, to obtain a license, registration, or permission.