Sitting pretty: middle-class Thais snap up expensive foreign cars

Article Abstract:

Foreign luxury cars are considered status symbols among the middle class in Thailand and so many Thais are purchasing cars that are more expensive than they can afford. The money is available in cash for many upper middle-class Thais because of real estate income and family wealth and so cars with prices of $160,000 are still selling well. However, Thailand already has a traffic congestion problem in Bangkok and this status symbol attitude is making it worse but economic disincentives from the government are largely ignored.

Motor vehicles and car bodies, Automobiles, Automobile Manufacturing, Social aspects, Transportation, Luxury automobiles, Thais

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Vox populi: will Thais make mobile phones a political issue?

Article Abstract:

Thailand's New Aspiration Party has proposed cutting the costs of mobile telephone handsets and services in an apparent bid for the affections of affluent voters. Currently users of the two private mobile-phone companies pay a $20 monthly fee that would drop to $16, with the government eating the difference. The two also have 80% - 207% profit margins on their handsets, though other companies also offer handsets. The mobile-phone market should grow some 20% in 1996, and a telecoms master plan should be released in Feb.

Radiotelephone communications, Cellular Mobile Radio Services, Cellular and Other Wireless Telecommunications, Laws, regulations and rules, Cellular telephone services industry, Cellular telephone services, Telecommunications systems

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Back-yard bickering: Malaysia erects a border wall, Thais are offended

Article Abstract:

A wall Malaysia is erecting along portions of its border with Thailand has aroused concern both locally and in Bangkok. Put up only months after the two govts announced plans for closer cooperation and partnership, it may do little to slow the smuggling and illegal immigration that Malaysia says it is supposed to stop. Most such activity goes through checkpoints depite officials there, or around the wall's area by sea. It could also influence the resolution of current border disputes.

Malaysia, Thai foreign relations, Border patrols, Malaysian foreign relations

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