BOI:Thailand should retain regional auto leadership

BANGKOK, Aug 6 (TNA) - The Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) has suggested that the Kingdom maintain auto manufacturing and export leadership after the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) is formed by 2015. BOI Secretary-General Atchaka Siboonruang Brimble acknowledged that Thai businesses will both benefit and lose when the single economic community of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations or ASEAN is formed. Atchaka assessed that large-scale Thai manufacturers will keep growing; while smaller or low-efficient business firms will be affected after the AEC is established. The BOI chief said, however, that Thailand should maintain national strength in some businesses, namely automobile and parts, as well as electronics and parts manufacturing and exports.(TNA)