EconomyRecent exodus spurred by increased Chinese presence and rocky economyIsuzu is a major investor in Thailand and remains committed as other Japanese companies scale back their expatriate staff in the Southeast Asian country. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Rie Ishii)DOMINIC FAULDER and YUKA KONISHIBANGKOK/TOKYO -- Japan in recent years has dramatically reduced its expatriate presence in Thailand as it strives to remain competitive in an economy made tougher by China's growing presence, the strong baht and slow growth.