I would not call the new Honda NC700 series ridiculous, sure they are not for somebody who is looking for a sportsbike. But for everyday commuter motorcycle I can see some benefits, especially when Honda can get the price right, one of the biggest benefits is that the Honda NC700 will use just over 3 liters fuel to do 100km. Compared to the Kawasaki Ninja 650R which needs something like 5.2 liters to travel 100km.
Another benefit is the dual-clutch, sometimes, with my 1000cc, I'm stuck in traffic like a car... and using the clutch to move a few meters can be uncomfortable after 15 minutes... But how many time that happens...
Anyway I think that Honda will find enough buyers for the Honda NC700 in Thailand. Especially because of the mindset of Thai people, in Thailand most two-wheelers sold now-a-day are automatics, or semi-automatics. Only 51 horsepower, true, but as I said before the NC700 will not be for the sportsbike buyers. Doing city traffic and some weekend trips outside town would be okay...
Also I didn't say that the Honda NC700 would be launched in Thailand, I was talking about a 670cc twin-cylinder engine which according to strong rumors will be manufactured in Thailand...