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The key findings on implementing ISO 9000 standard in the seafood industry, which is recognized as the leading export industry in Thailand, have been presented. The purpose of this study was to describe the current situation in ISO 9000 implementation, the characteristics, the strengths, the weaknesses, and problems of implementing a quality standard. Reports the finding of a mail questionnaire survey conducted on 178 selected seafood companies. The analysis of the survey data suggested that about 94 percent of companies obtained at least one quality standard. With further analysis, we also found that there are some different characteristics in terms of product type, production process, and purchasing policies among these selected companies. Results indicated that Thai seafood companies still lack enthusiasm regarding ISO 9000, compared with other countries in Asia. Finally, we found major problems in implementing ISO 9000 such as lack of understanding this quality standard and lack of support from the staff and management.

This case study aims to present how SA 8000 was successfully implemented in Thailand. At present, Beauty Essential Co., Ltd is one of very few companies in Thailand who obtained this certificate. As an exporter, the company found that international customers place increasing pressure on producers to demonstrate their commitment to basic human values in the workplace. The president of Beauty Essential views the standard as a way to strengthen and differentiate Thai companies from other cheap labour countries as well as a tool to improve the quality of employees’ lives. However, according to Thai law, working up to 84 hours a week is allowed. In order to comply with SA 8000 practice, Beauty Essential has to cut down overtime by 28.57 percent. The challenging question is how to do it. On one hand, working conditions have to be improved in order to achieve a higher productivity rate and at the same time the employees will work less hours with less tiredness.

Beauty Essential, a medium‐size company in the Thai clothing industry, has changed its working procedures to conform to an international standard on social responsibility – and improved productivity into the bargain. The company produces garments for such international brands as Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger and Nautica. All its production is for export. Almost three‐quarters goes to the USA, 10 percent to Japan, a further 10 percent to Europe and the remaining 5 percent to the countries of the Association of South‐East Asian Nations (Asean). As an exporter, the company found that international customers were putting increasing pressure on producers to demonstrate their commitment to basic human values in the workplace.