Thailand starts ‘Factory Sandbox’ to protect US$21bil sector

The Sandbox programme will focus on large factories that manufacture cars, electronics, food and medical equipment for exports in provinces that are key production hubs. - AFP

BANGKOK (Bloomberg): Thailand has launched a pilot programme to test, vaccinate and isolate factory workers to limit Covid-related disruptions to its export-driven manufacturing industry, one of the few bright spots in an economy crushed by the virus.

The "Factory Sandbox” initiative aims to protect 3 million jobs and support manufacturers who contribute about 700 billion baht (US$21 billion) to gross domestic product, according to a government statement this week. The plan will focus on plants that employ at least 500 people, and will "build confidence for both Thai and foreign investors at a time when supply chains in rival countries are shutting down,” the statement said.