Mazda, Nissan Halt Thai Production in Wake of Coup

Mazda Motor Corp. and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. reportedly halted production at their Thai manufacturing plants Wednesday in the wake of a political coup by Thailand’s military.

On Tuesday, as Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra prepared to address global leaders at the United Nations in New York City, Thai General Sonthi Boonyaratglin took power in a bloodless coup, stationing tanks and soldiers at major intersections and around government buildings, says the Associated Press, which reports calm on the streets of Bangkok today as most residents go about their day-to-day business.

Despite the tranquil environment, a Nissan spokeswoman tells Reuters “there has been a strong recommendation to stay indoors,” and the auto maker would later judge if it will re-open its two Thai plants today, which produce the Frontier compact pickup truck, Teana sedan and Tiida subcompact.

Work also was called off at Mazda’s joint venture plant with Ford Motor Co. in Rayong, as well as at its sales and regional offices in Bangkok.

Toyota Motor Corp. reportedly says it asked workers to remain at home, but they showed up for the first shift at its three Thai plants, apparently not having received the message.

Mitsubishi Motors Corp.’s Chonburi plant reportedly also is up and running.

Honda Motor Co. Ltd. canceled the first shift at its Bangkok plant, which makes the Accord, City, and Civic models, but says production will resume with the second shift.

Honda’s motorcycle plant did not close for the day, a company spokeswoman says.

Having started its first shift on Wednesday, Isuzu Motors Ltd. closed its two truck plants near Bangkok after 90 minutes, with a spokesman saying the truck maker is studying its parts’ supply and distribution means and judging if it will reopen the plants today.