Thailand to unveil ‘relocation package’ to woo firms hurt by trade war

• Thailand is planning a “relocation package” of incentives to attract foreign companies looking to move production from China, officials said, seeking to compete with Vietnam to woo manufacturers looking to steer clear of the Sino-US trade war.
• Possible tax breaks, eased regulations and expedited licenses and permits will be discussed by economic ministers on 6 Sep 19.
• Facilitating speedier approvals for foreign investors will be important, said Nattapol Rangsitpol, a director general in an Industry Ministry office that works closely with the Board of Investment (BOI).
• In seeking to attract investors affected by the trade war, “we have to understand that they are escaping death, so speed is important,” he said.
• “We have to enable them to set up factories quickly, produce quickly and sell quickly,” Nattapol added. Strict immigration and reporting rules have affected investors, who complained they were treated like criminals, he said.
• The BOI is looking at more tax breaks, particularly to targeted industries, to boost attractiveness, Nattapol said, adding that at present Thailand and Vietnam’s incentives were about the same.
• The BOI has said it is aiming to attract 100 companies, mostly Chinese firms.
• Thailand already offers firms in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) a corporate income tax (CIT) exemption of up to 13 years and a 50% tax reduction of up to five years. The current CIT is 20%.
• Thai Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said there would also be a special package on personnel development for companies to train Thai workers, or learning on the job, such as Google’s plan to set up an academy in Thailand.
• But Vietnam appears to be the top destination for firms hit by the trade war, due to lower wages and land prices.
• In 1H19, Thailand’s foreign direct investment (FDI) applications totalled USD4.8bn, while Vietnam’s new FDI pledges were USD18.74bn.
• Nattapol said Thailand’s labour skills and infrastructure are better, and investment privileges are clear and stable despite a change in government.
• “Vietnam’s wages look lower, but there will be unstated additional costs,” he asserted.
• Thailand’s daily minimum wage is THB308 (USD10) to THB330 (USD10.78), while Vietnam’s wages range from VND97,333 (USD4.2) to VND139,000 (USD6.0) per day.
• Thailand ranked 38th in overall competitiveness while Vietnam ranked 77th, according to the World Economic Forum’s Global Competitiveness Report 2018.
• Supant Mongkolsuthree, chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, said strength of the baht is a major obstacle for drawing foreign investment and the government should take measures to tackle the problem

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