Thailand's Metrology Institute to Set First Standardised Measurement System.

Byline: Charoen Kittikanya

Dec. 3--With exporters of high precision industrial products under pressure to meet international benchmarks, the setting of national measurement standards is moving a step closer.

The National Institute of Metrology (Thailand) plans to draft the country's first standardised measurement system.

"New international challenges, particularly non-tariff barriers to trade, are mounting as tariff and state subsidies crumble under the World Trade Organisation," said Prayoon Shiowattana, the institute's director.

"These steps pose a direct threat to Thailand's export competitiveness in the longer term if we don't have our own national measurement standards."

Without the new system, Thailand's industries would continue to depend on foreign agencies to guarantee that their measurement standards met the importer's requirements.

Among the industries most affected are producers of electronics, electrical appliances, automobiles and vehicle parts, all of which rely on quality standard systems such as QS 9000 and ISO 9000 in order to export their products.