I think that the big manufacturers are choosing Vietnam and Thailand for cheaper labor.
It is not all about cheap or not cheap, the political pressure plays a role, how authorities treat staff, how well you can get your productos onto the market etc..
I also heard that the infrastructure for manufacturing plays a big role, the big reason why many westert company still choose to stick their production in china is because the infrastructure is already matured.
making manufacturing product a lot efficient and cheaper, but I guess since southeast asia are trying to attract foreign investment, they will do exactly that, vietnam and thailand is already building good infrastructure while also improving the quality of the manpower.
I think looking in the future, so many western company will manufacture their goods in southeast asian countries that are politically stable and having good access to the sea routes.
that if the southeast asian countries could take advantage of current situation.