Bangkok: "Made in Thailand, used in Thailand" is the key strategy proposed by the Thai steel industry to navigate through intense global competition and ensure its survival. According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Nava Chantanasurakorn, Managing Director of Sahaviriya Steel Industries Public Company Limited and Vice President of the Federation of Thai Industries, highlighted the numerous challenges facing the industry. These include the influx of dumped imported steel, substandard product quality, and lax enforcement of laws, all of which threaten consumer safety and the viability of Thai businesses. Mr. Nava, representing the "Ten Thai Steel Associations," stated that a coalition of over 510 steel industry associations has been working collaboratively for more than a decade to foster sustainable growth under equitable regulations. A critical demand from the Thai Steel Association is the stringent enforcement of the Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) law to ensure that factories, especially those previously closed for quality and safety issues, adhere to strict quality control measures. The industry faces technological challenges as well. Many countries have abandoned or banned induction furnace technology due to quality control issues and reliance on high-quality scrap metal, which Thailand lacks. The steel associations insist that any factory resuming operations must implement a complete "refining process" for molten steel to ensure product safety and market quality. Furthermore, the global steel industry is grappling with overcapacity, with production exceeding demand by more than 700 million tons annually. This has led to an influx of low-priced steel exports from major producers like China. Developed nations employ rigorous protectionist measures to safeguard their industries, but Thailand's limited use of such measures has resulted in low capacity utilization, around 30%. Mr. Nava underscored the steel industry's role as the backbone of related sectors, including construction, automotive, and electrical applia nces. Heavy reliance on imported steel could adversely affect employment, the circular economy, and economic stability in the long run. To mitigate these risks, Mr. Nava advocates promoting "Made in Thailand" products across both public and private sectors, with incentives to boost domestic demand and fortify the supply chain. In conclusion, Mr. Nava expressed optimism about the industry's future, emphasizing the potential for recovery and resilience if the government, private sector, and consumers prioritize quality, fairness, and self-reliance. "The Thai steel industry may not be 100% safe yet, but we haven't given up," he stated, highlighting the collective effort required to ensure the industry's stability and growth.