Japanese firms seek Thai gov't support

Japanese business groups in Thailand will ask the Thai government to support companies hard-hit by the flooding there.

About 2,480,000 people have been affected by floods in Thailand. The Floods have also affected about 430 Japanese-affiliated firms in 6 industrial complexes in the country. Many of their factories remain flooded.

The groups, including the Japanese Chamber of Commerce, Bangkok; and the Japan External Trade Organization, decided to seek government support along with an organization of private Thai firms.

Their representatives will meet with Thai Industry Minister Wannarat Charnnukul on Wednesday.

They will ask for the quick discharge of water from inundated areas as well as financial support for compensating workers at the closed factories.

Damage from the floods is spreading to Bangkok. Residents and military personnel are piling sandbags along the Chao Phraya River and canals to keep the water back.

The Japanese government has provided Thailand with aid supplies worth nearly 390,000 dollars, including tents and water purification devices.

The government will send an additional 324,000 dollars worth of aid supplies to Thailand through JICA, the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011 09:39 +0900 (JST)