Car exports need weeding

       For Thai automakers, meeting international emission requirements and quality standards may be the easy part.Making sure car exports are weed-free is a different challenge altogether.
       Over the past several months, complaints have been building from Australian authorities that Thai cars imported into the country have come with weeds in the wheelwells, tyres and other rubber parts, engine compartment or chassis.
       Weeds ranging from cat-tails to cogongrass, bitter bush and Siam weed are banned by the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service.
       "These weeds come with the wind and cling to vehicles awaiting shipment at ports or while they are being transported from assembly plants. Sometimes,they come in such large quantities that entire shipments are rejected by Australia.We then have to clean up the cars before they are unloaded," said Thavorn Thammakorn, an official of the Agriculture Department.
       Agencies in both countries agreed to ensure Thai vehicles will be free of weeds.
       Representatives from leading car companies and from the Thai Automotive Industry Association will receive guidelines today from Australian officials on how to avoid weeds. The Thai side has to set up a new inspection unit to check vehicles before departure.
       Of the 530,000 automobiles shipped from Thailand each year,25% each go to Australia and Asian countries,19% to the Middle East, and 13% to Europe.