Concept and Rationale :

The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is the committed intention of ASEAN countries to mutually cooperate for attaining a stable, prosperous and highly competitive ASEAN economic region in which there is a free flow of goods, services, investment and freer flow of capital, equitable economic development and reduced poverty and socioeconomic disparities by the year 2020.

As an ASEAN member, Thailand will gain from expanding the domains goods and services which are the country’s excellence, for example tourism, hotel and restaurant, and health services.

As a globally responsive educational institute, Khon Kaen University in the position of an up- to-date information gatherer and the social guide of the Northeastern region has decided to organize a national and international conference on the topic : Local Community: : The Foundation of Development in the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) ” in February 16-19, 2012, at Kosa Hotel, Khon Kaen, Thailand and Lao PDR. In this 4 day conference researchers, academicians, public administrators and graduate students of Thailand and overseas will have opportunity to share, learn from discussion panels, forum, exhibition and both oral and poster presentation of research findings related to the rural development in responding to the transformation the ASEAN to the AEC.

The audience of this conference will gain valuable knowledge and experience which are relevant and useful for their present works in addition to having an opportunity to join academic and research networks of people with various kinds of skill and experience. The information gather from this conference is then organized and published in proceedings for transferring to individuals and organizations for the preparation of people to be well- prepared and responsible to the unprecedented impacts of this regional globalization. 

Objectives :

1. To publish academic research findings related to the rural development in responding to preparation and adaptation for the AEC transformation presented by local and overseas academicians and researchers.

2. To enhance the research of rural development as a tool and procedure for raising the quality of lives of rural people.

3. To promote and activate brainstorming by researchers, elites, academicians and administrators for applicable approaches on handling the impacts of AEC on various communities.

 Expected Outcome :

1. Publication on rural development distributing in academic and administrative institutions

2. The introduction of research findings for the implementation of improving the quality of life.

3. A guide line for the preparation and adaption of communities and local organizations to the impacts of AEC

4. The participation of academic researchers, local administrators, elites and civic public in presentation, exhibition and forum for further both local and international cooperation.

       Conference Topics :

1. Economy of Community and Regions

2. Foods and Agriculture

3. Climate Changes and Global Warming

4. Community Health

5. Natural Resources and Environment

6. Energy and Innovation on Energy

7. Tourism

8. Community Organization/Local Administration and Governmental Organizations