Motor show to be a boon for Lampang

The Department of Industrial Promotion hopes to generate 100 million baht in economic value through its cooperation with automakers at the Diprom Motor Show in the northern province of Lampang.

Diprom is an acronym of the department’s name. It also forms the Thai phrase di-prom, which means perfectly well.

“More than 15 car and motorcycle brands will join the Diprom Motor Show,” said department chief Nattapol Rangsitpol.

The week-long event, to be held from Feb 9 to 15, is expected to draw around 5,000 visitors a day.

The Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA) expects to see up to 500 car bookings during the event because people in the north have strong purchasing power and new prospective car buyers will also drive the demand.

The association is willing to support the government in its plan to boost the local economy and the Thai automotive industry, said Suwat Supakarndechakul, president of TAIA.

The domestic car industry, which employs more than 800,000 workers, makes up 14% of the economic value generated by the industrial sector.

Organisers chose Lampang as they want to stimulate economic activities in this province, including boosting the Mice (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) sector.

“The government expects the event to support the local economy, following the reopening of the country. It will help boost business confidence and facilitate car purchases in the north,” said Chumlak Kanpetchthe, deputy governor of Lampang.

Officials also plan to hold car shows in other regions under its plan to stimulate local economies.

The government allocates around 10 billion baht a year to support domestic industries and investments.