Gasgoo Munich-On September 20, the 2026 International Forum(Teda) on Chinese Automotive Industry Development hosted "Session 7: New Opportunities in the Southeast Asian Auto Market." Tripob Bunyaman, executive vice president of the Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI), delivered a keynote speech titled "Current Status, Policies, and Future Challenges of Thailand's Automotive Industry."
Image Credit: 2026 Teda Forum
He noted that Thailand boasts over 60 years of automotive heritage and serves as a key export hub for Southeast Asia. The country is now aggressively driving the development of new energy vehicles through its "3030 Policy." The goal is for new energy vehicles, or zero-emission vehicles, to account for 30% of total domestic auto production by 2030.
Thailand's auto production is projected at roughly 1.5 million units in 2025, with exports making up 60% of that total. On the new energy front, the country is implementing EV3 and EV3.5 incentive schemes, which impose import-to-local production ratios. Pure electric vehicle sales reached 123,000 units in 2025, giving Thailand the largest new energy vehicle market share in ASEAN. Several Chinese automakers—including BYD, Great Wall Motor, and GAC Aion—have already established local production bases.
He pointed out that Thailand's supporting supply chain for new energy vehicles is still in its infancy, with an urgent need to build capabilities in software and electronic/electrical components. Looking ahead, Thailand must move early to establish power battery recycling and cascading utilization systems, along with infrastructure for specialized testing in areas like ADAS and batteries. The industry also faces a critical need for engineers who possess both mechanical and software expertise. Meanwhile, a supporting tax policy for hybrid vehicles is set to take effect, with vehicle carbon footprints and ADAS specifications becoming key metrics for tax assessments.
