In 2025, Thailand’s automotive industry is undergoing a historic transformation. While the country was once known as the 'Detroit of Asia' for its production of ICE vehicles and pickups, today it aims to become the regional hub for electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing.
According to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) and OICA, in 2024, 1.87 million vehicles were produced, with over 15% being electric vehicles — a record for the region.
Key Players in 2025
Dominant manufacturers:
- BYD: first factory outside China — in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), capacity 150,000 EVs/year;
- Great Wall Motors (GWM): producing Ora and Tank models — 100,000 units/year;
- Neta Auto: local production launched in 2024;
- Honda & Toyota: shifting 40% of capacity to hybrid and electric models;
- Mitsubishi: focusing on compact EVs for Asian markets.
Where Are EVs Made?
The main center is the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), including provinces:
- Chonburi: main plants for BYD, GWM, Honda;
- Rayong: battery production hub — CATL, GPSC;
- Chachoengsao: R&D centers and test tracks.
The government has allocated 35 billion THB (~1 billion USD) to boost the EV industry.
Government Support
To attract investment, incentives include:
- Tax breaks: duty-free import of EV components until 2030;
- Buyer subsidies: up to 150,000 THB per EV;
- Infrastructure: building 50,000 charging stations by 2027;
- Training: 10,000 specialists/year trained free under 'Digital Mechanics' program.
Thailand’s Global Position
In total vehicle production, Thailand remains the leader in Southeast Asia and ranks in the global top 15. But now it competes not with Italy or the UK, but with:
- Vietnam: rising EV competitor (VinFast);
- Indonesia: focus on nickel-based batteries;
- Malaysia: development of autonomous transport systems.
Outlook 2025–2030
Expected:
- Growth of EV share to 30% of total production by 2027;
- Launch of a national EV brand supported by the government;
- Expansion of exports of batteries and components to the EU and Japan;
- Global recognition of Thailand as a key EV manufacturing center in Asia.
"We’re no longer just assembling cars. We’re building the future of mobility," said FTI President Kravitz Tippachotiangkun. "The electric car isn’t a trend. It’s the destiny of our industry."
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