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By Thai-Asean News Network
Published on 2 February 2010
The recall definitely deserves a big round of applause. Even though the defect hasn't caused anybody problems in Thailand, the Thai dealership did the right thing by calling back these cars to get it right.
However, maybe Honda Thailand should have compensated those who were affected. For example, a temp car would have been a nice compensation for those who need them, or perhaps cash compensation should be considered. This would certainly help restore the strength of the brand, at least in Thailand.
Aside from the business aspect, this incident brings up an interesting issue.
The Thai Industrial Standards Institute is the agency responsible for looking after products being sold in Thailand, using the much-praised international standards. They are tasked with facilitating the public and private sectors as well as society, in promoting sustainable competitiveness through standard assurance. All sides depend on the TISI; the business owners, consumers, and the country as a whole.
Another part of their job is to protect consumers, the environment, and natural resources, ensuring fair trade, and ridding problems related to the standards of goods.
TISI Secretary-general Chaiyong Kritpholchai explained the lack of action in response to the recent recall of the Honda vehicles in Thailand by saying that TISI is only authorized to regulating pollution from vehicle exhaust, not to examine the quality or safety of vehicles, or even the parts which are being sold.
Personally, I don't think the attitude of 'It's not us; It's the law' is going to fly anymore. People aren't interested in silly excuses. Thais know too darn well that even with the task that they are allowed, like checking exhaust pollutants, they have failed! Just try waiting for a public bus at the Victory Monument or even in front of the TISI and you'll know what I'm talking about.
To be fair, the law does make the duties of the TISI very limited, but if we're going to flaunt about international standards, perhaps we should consider changing the law to allow the agency to work up to the international standards.
Consumers in Thailand should study the law to realize their options in dealing with businesses that have cheated them or caused them problems. For example, in this case of the recall, if anybody were affected by the defect, they could have filed charges for damages caused by unsafe products under an Act written in 2008.
If we were able to promote the appropriate roles of the manufacturers, the standards assurance agency, and the consumers, the auto-industry in Thailand may one day truly reach international standards.
from Post Today; Analysis pg.3
Tuesday February 2nd, 2010
by Post Today
rewritten by Patcharapol Jitramontree
patcharapol@tannetwork.tv
Source: http://www.tannetwor...?DataID=1024423
