The Ministry of Science and Technology will adopt technological know-how from Japan to solve traffic problems and conserve energy in Thailand.

Science and Technology Minister Woravat Au-apinyakul said that his recent official visit to Japan was intended to help Thailand revamp its scientific foundation and adopt Japan’s Intelligent Transport System (ITS) for local implementation.

Mr. Woravat said that Japan’s ITS incorporates the use of Global Positioning System (GPS), installed in cars and the traffic management cameras, to handle the congestion on the streets.

The Science and Technology Minister hopes that the adopted technology and know-how will help ease the overcrowding conditions in the country’s roads, particularly in Bangkok.

He stated that less congested traffic conditions can effectively lead to fuel and energy conservation.

Mr. Woravat went on to say that the government will discuss with auto-giant Toyota Motor Thailand about a joint technological development in order to bring its traffic improvement project to fruition as soon as possible.

via สำนักข่่าวแห่งชาติ : Thailand to adopt Japanese technology to improve Bangkok traffic conditions.

Thailand’s government has approved a future restructuring of the country’s vehicle excise tax for 2016 away from rates based on engine size to one dependent on the quantity of carbon dioxide emissions.

The new tax structure is due to take effect on January 1, 2016. The government is aware that car manufacturers were severely affected by last year’s floods, and are, at present, serving domestic demand, which has also been boosted by the government’s first-car scheme. However, it is anticipated that, from next year, exports will again become a major factor, and the new excise duties are designed to align Thailand’s automotive industry towards producing vehicles that meet global standards.