ABSTRACT
In Thailand there are two kinds of organizations working for the collective interests of business: trade associations and chambers of commerce on the one hand, and employers’ associations on the other. To handle wage disputes or advise public officials on labor issues, employers’ associations have formed seven tri-partite committees with labor unions and the government. Privately founded in 1975, the National Federation of Thai Textile Industries consists of five member associations: the Thai Synthetic Fiber Manufacturers Association, the Thai Textile Manufacturing Association, the Thai Weaving Industry Association, the Thai Garment Manufacturers Association, and the Thai Silk Association. Foreign chambers are integrated into the Thai system of business associations through their membership of the Board of Trade. Most trade associations in Bangkok are central organizations. The overwhelming majority of trade associations in Bangkok are dominated by Chinese descendants who are culturally and legally Thai.
