The company said in its statement that Thailand was one of the top prospects, even though Ford executives said earlier that it might scrap the decision to come to Thailand due to capital-control measures imposed on foreign investment in December.

Ford yesterday issued a statement saying that "Ford is committed to building its business in the region, and we have been investigating the possible establishment of an additional manufacturing facility in Thailand".

The global auto-maker said Thailand had the potential to become a base for small-car production while maintaining its position as a leading producer of pickup trucks, but the company was still talking to the government about its investment plans and possible incentives.

It is important for any small-car investment to be included in the Thai government's final criteria for fuel-efficient cars and given any incentives and privileges, the statement said.

The company's statement came after reports that Ford might reconsider its investment plan in the country. Steve Biegun, Ford's Washington-based vice president for international government affairs, was quoted as saying that the company might scrap the planned investment due to the capital-control measures.

In response, Commerce Minister Krirk-krai Jirapaet said on Thursday said that he was perplexed. "But it's up to their decision. They might have other information to consider," he said.

Krirk-krai said that Ford's executives told him that the company would decide on the location of the new facility in April.

Ford said in its statement yesterday that the planned facilities would have a capacity of 150,000 vehicles a year, of which 120,000 would be for export.

Dow Jones Newswires,

The Nation