Although Dr Prachin Eamlumnow has been involved in the Thai automobile industry for more than four decades, he has no intention of retiring.

Prachin is president and CEO of Grand Prix International, the organiser of the annual Bangkok International Motor Show, the largest auto exhibition event in the region.

He is also the publisher of several magazines, including Grand Prix, Off Road, XO Autosport, Asean Autobiz and Detroit of Asia.

Over the years, Prachin has earned the reputation of benevolent godfather, and is highly respected by those in the local auto industry.

"Even now, I'm still in love with the auto industry although I'm 64 years old. This is a career that I love and it has continuously supported our country's auto industry, which has grown dramatically in the last 30-40 years," he says.

According to Prachin, Thailand has a great future in automobile production, since two major auto companies as well as parts suppliers have set up production bases here.

"Our country could become the Detroit of Asia in the next few years. Although the industry has taken a blow from the surge in oil prices, I believe the situation will recover in the short run and the industry, in my personal view, has yet to reach its highest point."

In the early years, Thailand's vehicle industry was based mainly on motorcycles.

"Looking back to 1963, when I started my career with my first magazine, in our country at that time the emphasis was on motorcycles. I really liked big-sized motorbikes such as the BMW with its large 1,000cc engine, or Harley Davidsons. They were very cool bikes back then."

Times have changed and automobiles have taken over. "Anyway, I would not be able to ride them now as I'm getting old. I now focus on vehicles that are environmentally friendly."

Prachin has also had large sport utility vehicles like the Land Cruiser and Range Rover, but he is quick to catch the emerging trend. "I now use a Toyota Alphard V6 Hybrid as it consumes very little fuel compared to a regular Alphard MPV."

"The Alphard V6 Hybrid comes with electric motors and a battery that helps propel the vehicle, apart from the efficient V6 gasoline engine," he says.

Prachin is committed to following His Majesty the King's suggestions for saving energy and seeking alternative energy sources.

"For myself, in the foreseeable future, I will diversify my business into the alternative-energy business," he says.

"I have already sent my eldest son to China where they produce a large number of alternative energies including gasohol and bio-diesel, and these new types of energies could also be used in Thailand."

"These alternative fuels have worked well in China, where the car population is rising very quickly, and I think it would be good for our country," he adds.

Agricultural vehicles are to be displayed at the Bangkok International Motor Show for the first time next year. Even though Thailand is an agricultural country, farmers cannot compete with those from other countries due to the lack of modern agricultural machinery, and so it is essential to pave a foundation for them, he says.

"Thai farmers in Ayutthaya province have invented ploughing vehicles and some are exported to Malaysia and India. We will focus on agricultural equipment next year," he says.

"With a strong foundation, the economy will be strong and this will affect how people will spend their money," he adds.

Prachin confirms that he will not retire from the auto industry soon because he believes his experience is beneficial to the industry.

Thanadol Rila

The Nation