Japanese investors demand rehabilitation measures

Saying after a special meeting of Thailand's Joint Standing Committee on commerce, banking and industry on Monday, Pongsak Assakul, chairman of Thai Chamber of Commerce, said that it is now resolved that the 22nd Thai-Japanese meeting in Japan would be adjourned from November 28 to next year due to the big floods.
 He said that Keidanren agreed to the postponement but required Kittiratt's participation. The Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai Bankers' Association and the Federation of Thai Industries will therefore extend an invitation to Kittiratt. It is also vital for the Thai government to have rehabilitation measures in place before the visit, so that the deputy prime minister can answer Japanese investors' concerns.
 "Seven industrial estates have been inundated and there may be the next in the East of Bangkok. The Joint Standing Committee resolved that floods should not claim more victims, or that would hit investor confidence. If more industrial estate are inundated, it would be difficult to restore confidence," Pongsak said.
 Over 1,000 factories in the six industrial estates have suspended operations, which sent a shockwave of supply-chain disruptions. Many of the factories are owned by the Japanese.