Experts have issued warnings that the increasing presence of cheap, low-quality Chinese products is harming local businesses in Southeast Asian countries. As a result, Thailand is looking for ways to address the growing competition from these low-priced Chinese goods in their markets, according to the Voice of America.

The Voice of America reports that trade between Thailand and China topped USD 126 billion in the previous year and Chinese investment was a major contributor to Thailand's GDP. However, according to the Department of Industrial Works, manufacturing has been having trouble; in 2023, 2,000 factories closed, resulting in the loss of thousands of jobs. Local Thai firms have long been harmed by low-quality, low-cost Chinese goods, according to business owners. Bangkok's Bobae Shopping Mall, a wholesale and retail marketplace, is among the locations affected by this problem. The shutters of many of the mall's seven levels of retail establishments are closed, even though it is Thailand's busiest time of year and Christmas is quickly approaching.

A Banchob Pianphanitporn, who owns Ben's Socks, a store on the fifth floor of Bobae Shopping Mall, claimed that a rise in Chinese imports was hurting his sales. He further lamented," I would say sales are 50 per cent down since 10 years ago. I sell socks for 150 baht (USD 4.38) per dozen, but if this was a Chinese product, they would sell at 85 baht (USD 2.48). If customers have a low budget they will say my socks are expensive. They don't consider the materials, my socks are much better material and more flexible." Pam, a different vendor, told VOA that their sales have been impacted by imports and Chinese producers. He condemns," Chinese products are selling a lot, but we don't have that much stock. The government still allows the products from overseas. Our sales have dropped down a little bit."

Thailand's manufacturing sector has been facing difficulties, which has resulted in a slow economy this year. For 2024, it's expected that Thailand's economy will grow by just 2.3% to 2.8%, which is slower than many of its neighbouring countries.