Two Japanese automakers namely Honda and Nissan, Japan’s second and third largest carmakers respectively were reported to be seeking for a license to set up plants in Thailand. These two automakers will use the plants in Thailand to build their fuel-efficient cars in support of Thailand’s aim to become an eco-car production center.

Thailand is scheduled to release license on February of next year to an unspecified number of carmakers according to Satit Chanjanakul, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment. He also added that the Thailand government will offer tax breaks and lower tariffs on machinery imports to the companies.

At present there is an increasing demand for vehicles that are fuel efficient and utilizes the hybrid technology attributed to the ever increasing gasoline prices as well as the increasing awareness to preserve the environment.

Two of the world’s largest automakers namely Toyota and General Motors producer of quality Saab 900 parts have their manufacturing plants in Thailand already. They use these manufacturing plants for the production of pickup trucks. Toyota and General Motors are planning of expanding their car production to add to lat year’s 241 billion baht worth of vehicle exports.

Mr, Satit said, “The government wants fuel-efficient cars to be the country’s future main export product after our successes in promoting shipments of pick-up trucks.”

Last year Thailand’s auto exports has increase by 22 percent from a year earlier to 539,206 units wherein more than 60 percent were pick-up trucks that is according to Thailand Automotive Institute. Likewise, the values of the vehicle exports which are mostly headed to Australia, the Middle East, and Europe have also increase by 19 percent.

In order to be granted a license, auto companies must build vehicles with engines of no more than 1.3 liters that are able to run more than 20 kilometers on a liter of petrol. Aside from that, the plant should at least build 100,000 vehicles annually by the fifth year of operation.

Honda spokeswoman Yasuko Matsuura in Tokyo said, “We’re considering various options, but nothing has been decided.”

Thailand is not the only Asian country that is hoping to become a vehicle production center as a matter of fact India’s government last year has cut taxes on hatchbacks in its desire to become a global base for small cars.

There are already Japanese automakers that have started building factories in India for exporting small cars namely Suzuki Motor Corp, Nissan, and Hyundai Motor Co.

According to John Bonnel, a director at the Bangkok unit of J.D. Power & Associates the Thai government’s plan of making the country a center for pick-up trucks is not going to be easy. But he also said that the country has a substantial demand for pickup trucks and its much easier converting the country to an export-oriented hub. Mr. Bonnel explained during a phone interview that the car project is “starting from scratch in terms of the market demand in Thailand. The demand is not there and has to be created.”

If you are starting to wonder about where you could retire to, the chances are that Thailand has not been one of your first choices. However, the people who have retired to Thailand really do love the way of life there and it may well be worth thinking about it once you have done a little research.

What to Expect From Retiring in Thailand

Thailand is well known for its fantastic weather and it is certainly somewhere that you should consider if you want to experience a warm winter. Also, one of the main reasons why people do choose to retire to Thailand is the fact that there is not as much crime there as there is in some Western countries. In fact Thailand is known to be one of the safest countries in the world and attacks on strangers is extremely low and that allows you to feel safer than you would in a country such as the UK or in America.

If you are on a slight budget then there will always be something to suit your needs in Thailand. All you have to do is look away from the tourist driven places and you will find that the prices of accommodation and living is a lot lower than it is in built up areas.

Another good factor about the cost of living in Thailand is the medical care. The treatments and the facilities are extremely modern, yet they are also really inexpensive too. This means that you will easily be able to afford any health care which you may need and it is just as good as it would be back home.

If you are thinking of retiring to Thailand then one thing you will need to think about is what you would like to spend your time doing. There are a number of activities available to you and it basically depends upon how active you want to be. For example you can take part in scuba diving or if you would still like to feel like you are working then you can apply to become a volunteer teacher. You can also just relax and enjoy cultural activities if you would prefer.

Overall retiring in Thailand is definitely something you should consider. The cost of living there is extremely low and it is one of the safest places in the world. With no cold weather to worry even in winter, about what more could you possibly ask for?