Severe flooding in Bangkok and surrounding provinces has forced roughly ten auto parts manufacturers across Thailand to suspend operations, industry officials said Thursday. The inundation, which dumped nearly 300 mm of rain in three days, has prevented many workers from reaching their jobs and has disrupted logistics for suppliers that were not directly flooded.
Impact on major carmakers
According to Sompol Tanadumrongsak, president of the Thai Auto‑Parts Manufacturers Association, the shutdowns are affecting deliveries to several global automakers, including Toyota, Isuzu, Ford, Nissan and Honda. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesperson for the Federation of Thai Industries’ Automotive Industry Club, warned that continued disruptions could force automakers to source parts from Japan if local suppliers cannot resume production soon.
Industry response and outlook
The Federation of Thai Industries estimates that the industrial sector has suffered flood damages of about 6 billion baht (approximately $178 million). Automotive assembly plants, however, reportedly have enough inventory to keep production running until October 12. Toyota indicated its plants aim to reopen on October 11, though this date remains to be confirmed.
Thailand remains Southeast Asia’s largest auto‑production hub and a key export base for many leading car manufacturers. Officials are closely monitoring the situation, hoping that receding waters will allow suppliers to restart operations and prevent further supply‑chain strain.
Human toll
The Interior Ministry reported that the floods have claimed 60 lives across 28 provinces, underscoring the broader humanitarian impact of the disaster.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
