11.   But the strike exemplifies the sort of culture shock awaiting Thai companies as they invest in industrialized nations.

12.   But with many Thai companies carrying such heavy foreign-currency debt, the long-range consequences of the devaluation were still in question.

13.   Even the largest Thai companies have suspended payments owed to banks, putting them in technical default and raising tricky legal questions for potential foreign suitors.

14.   For the braver investors who seeks a bigger return, there are promissory notes issued by Thai finance companies or bills of exchange issued by Thai companies.

15.   Gittler said he paid a call on a Thai company last week that refused to do business in yen any more.

16.   If it does, it will raise borrowing costs for Thai companies.

17.   In addition, Thai companies are among the bidders to build a deep-water port at the Burmese town of Tavoy, which would be linked to Thailand by roads.

18.   In baht terms, Thai companies have to pay about three-quarters more to repay debt.

19.   Increased exports will benefit Thai companies, struggling to sell their goods at home due to high interest rates that sap consumer demand.

20.   Moreover, potential investors are hesitating to take stakes in Thai companies willing to accept foreign control, largely because the economy is still weakening.