Green light for 2010 Bangkok Motor Show

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Green light for 2010 Bangkok Motor Show 
Bangkok Post: 8 Mar 2010
Motor show on schedule

Organisers of the upcoming Bangkok International Motor Show are unperturbed by the scheduled mass rally of red-shirt protesters and vow to continue with the show even if the demonstration turns violent.

Supporters of deposed former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra aim to bring at least 600,000 people to Bangkok on March 14, just 12 days ahead of the motor show to be held at Bitec Bang Na from March 26 to April 6.

"We are not worried about the demonstration," said organising chairman Prachin Eamlumnow.

The motor show faced political turbulence before in 1991 when a military coup toppled the Chatichai Choonhavan government. At that time, Mr Prachin ordered the show to continue at Suan Amporn even though the coup leader, Gen Sunthorn Kongsompong, asked him to cancel the event for the sake of peace and order.

Organising vice-chairman Jaturon Komolmiss said organisers did not have a backup plan to postpone or cancel the show if this coming weekend's demonstration turns violent.

But he feels strongly, based on his conversations with security sources, that the rally will end peacefully.

Mr Prachin, chairman of Grand Prix International Co, the show organiser, said the outlook for the automotive industry was promising this year as local vehicle sales recovered in the final two months of last year.

Nationwide vehicle sales are expected to exceed 600,000 units this year based on sales the first two months growing 20% year-on-year.

The motor show expects to generate revenue of at least 40 billion baht from 20,000 orders placed by an expected 1.8 million visitors. Nissan's eco-car should be the highlight of the event: a small fuel-efficient car, the first of its kind, likely priced below 400,000 baht for the standard version.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/telecom/34092/motor-show-on-schedule