Reports

Discussion Papers

No.693 Testing localization of Thai Automobile Industries

by Ikuo Kuroiwa, Kriengkrai Techakanont, Souknilanh Keola

March 2018

ABSTRACT

The development of industrial clusters is crucially important for industries such as automobiles. However, it is still doubtful whether all parts suppliers should be localized, regardless of the parts categories. We tested the above hypotheses using data compiled from the Thailand Automotive Industry Directory 2014. First, the factors affecting the location of the Thai automobile industry were reviewed. Second, the kernel density of the bilateral distances between parts suppliers was estimated. Finally, hypothesis testing on the localization of parts suppliers was conducted. The study found that the automobile industry as a whole was significantly localized, and significant localization occurs only within 150 km, in terms of bilateral distance between firms.

Keywords:  automobiles, localization, industrial clusters

JEL classification: C12, L62, R12

Please note that discussion papers are works in various stages of progress and most have not been edited and proofread and may contain errors of fact or judgment. Revised versions of these papers may subsequently appear in more formal publication series. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s). The IDE does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included and accepts no responsibility for any consequences arising from its use.