Thailand has been a democratic constitutional monarchy
since 1932. Under the present constitution, the parliament is composed
of 270 appointed senators and 360 elected representatives. The Prime
Minister is selected from among the members of the house of Representatives.
Thailand is the largest automotive manufacturer in
Southeast Asia, and parallel to this has been the development of the
autoparts and components industry.
There has been a massive build-up of the automotive
industry in Thailand in recent years, with Toyota, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi,
Nissan, Honda, Ford, Chrysler, General Motors and Volvo amongst the
international car makers with production lines in the country.
The Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA),
founded 20 years ago to represent the industry and promote its development,
is one of the prime movers in the development and upgrading of the
industry. Another is the Autoparts Industry Club in the Federation
of Thai Industries.
With increasing experience form overseas that Thailand
is aiming to become a world-class autoparts producer.
Thailand a profile
Today's industry
:
The Thai Auto-Parts Manufacturers Association
(TAPMA), founded 20 years ago to represent the
industry and promote its development, is one of
the prime movers in the development and upgrading
of the industry. Another is the Autoparts Industry
Club in the Federation of Thai Industries.
An important means of promoting exports is the
Thai Chamber of Commerce, while the Department
of Export Promotion, through its extensive overseas
network of Thai Trade Centers plus regular trade
shows and missions, actively promotes the industry
abroad.
The United States is the industry's largest export
market, with Thai producers selling to the big
US warehouses who source many of their components
from Asia. Many products are now made to specifications
given by these outlets. Quality is important as
the warehouse bears the responsibility of warrantee,
and its own reputation.
