Japanese automakers hard-hit by flood in Thailand

Two major Japanese automakers, Toyota and Honda, have announced to suspend production in Thailand until next weekend as the flooding situation deteriorates, the Bangkok Post reported Saturday. Toyota, the No. 1 automaker in Thailand, said the production shutdown of its three local plants would be extended until next Saturday due to a shortage of parts. meanwhile, Honda suspended production in its plant in central Ayutthaya province last Wednesday and said it would not open until next Friday. Not only the two auto giants, other Japanese firms that are based at many industrial estates across Thailand to conduct gathered and collective operations are also suffering. In Ayutthaya, the Hi-Tech Industrial Estate was submerged Thursday by gushing water as the attempt to fend off the deluge failed. Commerce Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong was seen bursting into tears when hugging a Japanese investor whose factory was in the estate. A Toshiba plant at a industrial park in Pathum Thani province adjoining Bangkok, one of its largest production centers in Asean, was shut down this Tuesday for at least five days. The Japan External Trade Organization based in Thailand has demanded reliable information about the floods from the local government provide so that investors could better cope with the crisis.