InfoAnda - Thailand's auto workers lose jobs as economy worsens

Pakistanis angry over detentions in Times Sq. case
Monday, May 24, 2010
ISLAMABAD – Relatives of three men detained by Pakistan for alleged links to the suspect in the attempted Times Square bombing say the men are innocent.
They

Taiwan denies boycotting Australian film festival
Thursday, August 6, 2009

AFP - Thursday, August 6TAIPEI (AFP) - - Taiwan's Beijing-friendly government on Wednesday denied boycotting an Australian film festival amid a row over the e

Merkel's support dips, regional ally resigns International
Thursday, September 3, 2009

By Sarah Marsh and Noah Barkin

BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel suffered a double blow on Thursday as a senior party ally in east German

Minister seeks closure of anti-Berlusconi websites
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ROME (AFP) - – The Italian government moved Tuesday to close down Internet sites encouraging further violence against Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who

Asian markets mixed after Wall Street rally
Wednesday, March 18, 2009

By ELAINE KURTENBACH,AP Business Writer AP - Wednesday, March 18SHANGHAI - Asia's stock market rally seemed to be running out of steam Wednesday, despite an

British political giants join forces on record | 19 December 2008
Ohio woman: I got away from serial killing suspect | 6 November 2009
French stalker of Kirsten Dunst ordered to stay away | | 10 January 2012

"King's Speech" and "Fighter" lead SAG film nominations | 17 December 2010

">Forum Views () ">Forum Replies ()

Read more with google mobile : Thailand's auto workers lose jobs as economy worsens

Yahoo! My Yahoo! Mail Yahoo! Search Search: Sign InNew User? Sign Up News Home - Help Navigation Primary Navigation Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Secondary Navigation Singapore Asia Pacific World Search Search: Thailand's auto workers lose jobs as economy worsens AFP - 1 hour 35 minutes ago RAYONG, Thailand (AFP) - - Father-of-four Rasamee Thongdee is picking his son up from the babysitter six hours early because he has just lost his job at a Thai factory making car air-conditioning systems. ADVERTISEMENT The 31-year-old is one of about 5,000 workers recently laid off by factories in the town of Rayong as the global economic crunch starts to bite Southeast Asia's regional car-making hub, known as the "Detroit of the East". "I just never thought it would happen to me," Rasamee says hours after being summoned to the supervisors' office at the Valeo factory to receive the bad news. "They gave me a paper to sign. I was shocked. I did not know what to say." Rasamee, who earned 10,000 baht (286 dollars) a month during his three years with the firm, must now rely on his wife's 5,000-baht salary from a fertilizer plant to provide for their children aged between two and nine years old. The family must also find the money to cover a 30,000-baht debt with interest, along with 25 more monthly payments of 2,500 baht to pay off Rasamee's 90,000-baht motorbike. Thailand is particularly vulnerable to the global crash in car sales, having positioned itself as a key production base for foreign automakers including Toyota and Honda, which assemble vehicles for export across the region. Thai auto exports fell 42.11 percent in December from the same period a year ago while the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has forecast that auto exports will fall nearly 25 percent this year from 2008 to 592,000 vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors said this month that it would cut auto production at its Thai plants by 50 percent in the first half of this year. It laid off 1,100 temporary workers in January. If the projections are realised, about 20,000 workers, or five percent of the 400,000 people employed in Thailand's car factories, could lose their jobs in the first six months of 2009, said deputy head of the FTI Adisak Rohitasoon. So far, Adisak said, job cuts among permanent staff have been confined to workers in car parts and accessories factories, rather than assembly plants. "But if auto exports drop even lower... in the first six months, we could see job cuts among permanent workers, though that will be our last resort," Adisak said. The government predicts a recovery for the industry from the third quarter of 2009 when it says a fiscal stimulus package will reignite the economy. That will come too late for Thailand's auto industry workers, many of whom have debts to repay which could further hasten the downward economic spiral. Anek Kongchan, 25, has just worked his final day at the Valeo factory in Rayong after receiving his pink slip in December. He says he will struggle to pay the 8,000-baht monthly instalments on the Toyota pick-up he bought a year ago. "I can't sleep at night. I don't know when the finance company are going to take my car," he says. "I have been very badly affected by losing my job because I have to pay for the car and house rental. I've been looking for another job for more than one month. I still can't find anything. There are no jobs." He said that if he loses the car, he would leave Rayong, which is 179 kilometres (111 miles) from Bangkok, and head back to his home town in Thailand's impoverished, rural northeast. Union officials say around 80 percent of the workers in eastern Rayong originally hail from the north. Even for those still in work, the crunch means that companies are cutting overtime payments that many low-paid workers rely on to get by. "If their extra work hours are cut many may be forced to resign meaning that by law they cannot ask their employer for any compensation," says Lae Dilokvidhyarat, director of the labour and management department at Bangkok's Chulalongkorn University. Many casual workers at production plants received no compensation or advance warning before being laid off, said Sema Suebtrakul from Organizing Labour Union Centre, a car workers' union. Other permanent workers at car parts factories had been forced to sign documents that falsely showed they had voluntarily resigned, he said. "We are concerned that several companies have just exploited the news of the bad economy to cut costs," Sema said. The government's industry ministry says it is talking to factory owners to try to retain as many jobs as possible and ensure workers are not exploited. A training framework is also being developed to improve skills during the production slowdown, said Somchai Harnhirun, deputy secretary-general at the ministry's industrial economics office. But Rasamee hopes his three years of work experience are enough to see off the increasing competition in the job market. "I dont know if I can find a new job," Rasamee said. "Many other workers who have also lost their jobs in this area are now looking for a new job too." Email Story IM Story Printable View Blog This Recommend this article Average (0 votes) Sign in to recommend this article » Most Recommended Stories » Related Articles: China's Economy SKorea unveils new stimulus measuresAFP - 1 hour 13 minutes ago Thailand's auto workers lose jobs as economy worsensAFP - 1 hour 35 minutes ago Chinese jet maker looks for foreign executivesAP - 2 hours 7 minutes ago Volkswagen plans to double China sales by 2018Reuters - 2 hours 59 minutes ago Related Articles: Business China aviation giant to recruit foreign execsReuters - 57 minutes ago TOPWRAP 2-U.S. to 'stress test' banks; UK to unveil asset planReuters - 58 minutes ago Chinese Estates falls after loss warningReuters - 1 hour 1 minute ago Ranbaxy slumps 16 pct as FDA says data falsifiedReuters - 1 hour 3 minutes ago China says crisis risks to banks under controlReuters - 1 hour 4 minutes ago Enlarge Photo Thailand's auto workers lose jobs as economy worsens Related Photos Slideshow Full Photo Coverage: Business & Economy Related Full Coverage China Economy china economy All Full Coverage Most Popular – Business Viewed Iraqi police shoot dead four US soldiers: ministry On the bright side: scientists test 'happy' gene Just being overweight can shorten lifespan: study 34,000 apply for 'the best job in the world' At least nine dead as Turkish plane crash-lands in Amsterdam View Complete List » Search: Home Singapore Asia Pacific World Business Entertainment Sports Technology Top Stories Most Popular Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - Community - Intellectual Property Rights Policy - Help

Other News on Thursday, 26 February 2009
Iran denies nuclear slowdown, sets big expansion | International |
Current Village People Granted Preliminary Injunction Against Former Lead Victor Willis
Rwandan troops leave Congo, stoking reprisal fears | International |
Mick Jagger's Ex-Wife Sued For Failing To Pay Ring Reward Money
Spray your tag on West Bank wall -- online | International |
Nazi death camp guard will be tried: prosecutor | International |
Polar regions found warming fast, raising sea levels | International |
Ugandan LRA rebels attack across CAR border: colonel | International |
Apple says Steve Jobs is still involved | Technology |
Nokia considering entering laptop industry: CEO | Technology |
Wealthy Americans Sue UBS To Keep Names Private
Spray your tag on West Bank wall -- online | Technology |
UAW President Urges Union To Support Ford Concessions
Netflix to offer streaming only plans in future | Technology |
Mass Layoffs Drop Slightly But Remain Highest On Record, Says Labor Dept.
Hide-and-seek death case irks Web users | Technology |
Update: Obama Names Locke As Commerce Secretary; Republicans Welcome Nomination
Poll Finds Muslims Opposed To Attacks On U.S. Civilians, But Want U.S. Troops Off Muslim Soil
Google joins EU antitrust case against Microsoft | Technology |
Hilton Rumored To Be Planning Layoffs In IT Dept; Adds 3 Luxury Hotels In Puerto Rico To Portfolio
U.S. top court rules for AT&T unit in antitrust case | Technology |
Environmentalists Praise Court Decision On Bush Administration Air Pollution Standards
Global chip market to fall 24 percent in 2009: Gartner | Technology |
Existing Home Sales Fall 5.3 Percent In January
Liquidators Secure Court Approval To Sell Fortunoff
Pension Plans For State Government, 2 Universities Missing $400M
Fan survives life with Rolling Stones | Entertainment |
Music to the ears of hospital patients | Entertainment |
Spidey heads to Broadway, with help from U2 pair | Entertainment |
Stomach Stapling In Britain Rose To 40 Percent In 2008 As Nation Struggled With Rising Obesity Rate
Peace negotiators urge change of attitude on Hamas
Bangladesh troop mutinies break out beyond Dhaka | International |
Hariri murder suspects languish in jail four years on
Turkish airliner crashes at Amsterdam airport, 9 dead | International |
The Obamas Decide On A Portuguese Water Dog As Newest Member Of First Family
Pakistan wants drones on table in US-Afghan review
Palestinians agree on prisoner release ahead of unity talks
Downturn to cost billions in aid to world's poor | International |
Obama to deliver address on Iraq Friday
Mexico vows more troops for drug war near U.S. border | International |
Puerto Rico to ship pesky monkeys to Iraq
Rohner steps down as UBS chief executive
Pakistan urges rethinking of U.S. drone attacks | International |
Palestinians seek $2.8 billion for rebuilding Gaza
Threat of oil spill menaces Russian Pacific island
Morocco calls back envoy in Iran over Bahrain
At least nine dead as Turkish plane crash-lands in Amsterdam
Isolation shields Afghanistan from financial crisis | International |
Terror-linked lawmaker faces arrest in Iraq
Iran says nuclear plant could start in months
U.S. will boost supplies for Afghan force | International |
Iranians in test run of first nuclear power plant
Younus falls short of record in drawn Test
Peace negotiators urge change of attitude on Hamas | International |
In third try, Obama names Gary Locke as Commerce Secretary
Die with us rebels tell Sri Lanka's refugees | International |
Australia seeks to cut animal gas emissions
U.S. law chief says Guantanamo "well-run"
Some US forces will face combat after Iraq pullout
Obama ready to set out Iraq withdrawal plan
Nokia considering entering laptop industry: CEO | Technology |
Final Exit Members Arrested, Charged With Assisting Suicide
Mexico extradites suspected drug gang leader to US
U.S.: China's Human Rights Record Worsened In 2008
US-TECH Summary
Poland says Obama team not focused on missile shield
FBI Agent Raids Offices Of University Of Florida Scientist Suspected Of Swindling NASA
Gannett slashes dividend to pay down debt
U.S. missile defence to complete test review by May
International Arms Dealer, Conspirator Sentenced To 30, 25 Years In U.S. Prison
Microsoft files patent suit against TomTom
U.S. Busts Mexican Drug Cartel; 755 Suspects Arrested
U.S. criticizes China and Russia in rights report
open to sale, partnership for search business
Florida Dad Kills Wife, 2 Daughters, Self
Arab League chief praises Obama, Mitchell
Feb 25 Highlights Of Low Points In U.S. Economy
Nokia considering entering laptop industry
Apple says Jobs on track to resume command as planned
House Passes $410 Billion Spending Bill
Spain's corruption probe widens
Wall Street Rallies Off Early Lows, Still Finishes Down
Spray your tag on West Bank wall -- online
Two Owners Of WG Trading Company Arrested For Securities, Wire Fraud
Global economic woes eroding IT spending: analysts
Ten killed in Amsterdam plane crash
Netflix to offer "streaming only" plans in future
UK opposition leader's disabled son dies
US top court rules for AT&T unit in antitrust case
Turkish jet crash kills nine in Amsterdam
Nokia considering entering laptop industry
Mobile email firm Visto buys rival from Motorola
Fan survives life with Rolling Stones | Entertainment |
Final Harry Potter film gets release date | Entertainment |
Clint Eastwood gets lifetime Palme d'Or | Entertainment |
Morgan Freeman sued over car crash | Entertainment |
Australia seeks to cut animal gas emissions
Thai PM vows to bring fugitive Thaksin back home
Slumdog child actors to get new homes in India | Entertainment |
Bangladesh border guard mutiny appears to spread
Pakistan braced for street protests after Sharif bar
Final Harry Potter film gets release date
Unrest reported at more Bangledesh guard posts
Weather forecast for the Asia-Pacific region
Bangladesh border guard mutiny spreads: police
Disputed Chinese relics fetch millions at YSL art auction
US sees South Asia rights problems
SKorea unveils new stimulus measures
China fumes as bronze relics sold at YSL auction
Report: NKorea builds underground fueling facility
FACTBOX-S.Korea takes steps to bring in more funds
Singer-guitarist leaves the Barenaked Ladies
Post 9-11 novel wins PEN/Faulkner prize
Thailand's auto workers lose jobs as economy worsens
Exhibition exposes sex slavery at Nazi camps
Seoul shares down; LG Display, Kia Motors tumble
Baghdad speakeasy defies the bombers
S.Korea won at 11-yr closing low despite gov't remarks
Europe's bison: prehistoric survivor with Achilles' heel
Pakistan c.bank sells 20 bln rupees of T-bills
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
S.Korea T-bond futures jump after c.bank comment
Final Harry Potter film gets release date
Chinese jet maker looks for foreign executives
Tibetan monk's HK trip shows Buddhism's divisions
Pakistani stocks open down but recover on IMF
Nick Mitchell has 'American Idol' judges laughing
Nissan to ease output cuts in March
Nobel laureate warns polls could ruin Aceh peace
Newly Discovered Species Of Fish Christened H. Psychedelica
Israeli rivals divided over Palestinian state
EU trio propose tougher list of Iran sanctions: report | International |
Tougher list of Iran sanctions proposed
Jennifer Lopez And Marc Anthony Sue U.K. Stroller Company For Unauthorized Image Use
Israeli rivals divided over Palestinian state | International |
Obama seeks new 250 billion bank bailout: report
American Rock Duo MGMT To Sue French President Nicolas Sarkozy's Party For Copyright Infringement
Olmert warns Iran over nuclear plant
Thousands protest in Pakistan over Sharif ruling | International |
Court Extends Britney Spears' Restraining Order Against Ex-Manager
HIV mutates at high speed to avoid immune system: study
Morgan Freeman's Crash Passenger Sues Him For Negligence, Denies Being Her Mistress
Taliban say want peace with Afghans, NATO troops out | International |
US launches 'stress test' for major banks
China decries U.S. criticism of its rights record | International |
Serbia charges 19 Bosnian officials with war crimes | International |
US-China ties needed to fight climate change
Obama to present first budget to Congress
Obama to seek $200 bln for war effort: report
US complains about China's human rights record
UK rules out charges against Pentagon hacker | Technology |
U.S. spy agency may get more cybersecurity duties | Technology |
Vodafone to offer Microsoft online services
Puppy love -- at your fingertips | Technology |
TomTom to contest Microsoft patent lawsuit
U.S. could reap billions taxing Web gambling: study | Technology |
Bill Clinton: Conditions Make Success Likely For Obama's Heathcare Reform Plan
Japanese teens addicted to cellphones: survey
Finns urged to check Web, curb guns after rampages | Technology |
Comcast Brings In Spanish Programs From Central, South America For U.S. Viewers
Coleman Suffers Another Blow; Minnesota Court Rejects Testimony Of Key Witness
Probe after 'miracle' Amsterdam plane crash
Illinois Psychiatric Hospital Under Investigation For Lax Patient Care
New violence erupts on French island Martinique
2-For-1 Offers Proliferate
Study Finds Many Cancers Preventable By Adopting Healthy Lifestyle
Senate Holds Hearing On Bush Administration 'Truth Commission' Next Week
Japanese teens addicted to cellphones: survey
Baltimore-Area Teen Becomes Ninth Pediatric Flu Death
Holder Impressed With 'Well-Run' Guantanamo Facilities But Determined To Shut It Down
FDA: Largest Indian Drugmaker Falsified Lab Test
China clears Wyeth milk powder: state media
Power-starved Kyrgyz start electricity rationing
Sri Lanka editor held, accused aiding rebel strike
Nepal PM vows to reinvestigate palace massacre
ASEAN leaders challenged on rights, economy
Fire damages Marriott hotel in Pakistan
NKorea's Kim Jong Il photographed smoking
Fire damages Marriott hotel in Islamabad
CORRECTED
Indonesia sentences Australian for teen sex
China's banking system stable amid global crisis: regulator
Japanese boy arrested over bomb plot
James Brown exhibit opens while museum plans await
Pakistani forex reserves fall to $10.16 bln
Up, up and away: Rare Superman comic for sale
S&P sees worst recession for Japan since WWII
China accuses Christie's of selling smuggled Chinese relics
Asian markets sour on recession fears
Rosie O'Donnell returns to TV in a Lifetime movie
S.Korea "hit by lightning" by E.Europe concerns-president
Mud, sweat and beers at Britain's maddest football match
Sands to fight ban on Macau ferry service
First Chen movie to hit screens after sex photos
Hong Kong exports dive by most in 50 years
German headscarf bans violates rights: HRW
Pakistan's PTCL net profit 5.3 bln rupees
India gives Oscar winner Rahman hero's welcome
U2 album leaked as label battles pirates
Stevie Wonder gets major award, praise from Obama
Indonesia's psychedelic fish named a new species
Teen Boy Escapes Father's Murder-Suicide Of Mom, Two Sisters
'Final Exit' Suicide Group Members Arrested, Charged With Assisting Suicide
2-For-1 Offers Proliferate
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights

USD EUR - 1 year graph		BlogMeter 1.01