In recent years, Thailand’s pickup market has faced one of the most significant downturns in its history, notably underperforming compared to the broader automotive sector. Historically, pickups constituted 40-50% of the country’s total Light Vehicle (LV) market, but the segment’s share has drastically declined from

Reported on June 2, 2026, Thailand's Finance Ministry dropped the proposed old-car trade-in scheme due to unresolved issues surrounding the disposal of end-of-life vehicles and used EV batteries. 
The ministry instead directed the Excise Department to develop a new clean-energy support program under the THB 200-billi

Reported on May 25, 2026, Thailand’s Ministry of Industry held talks with Huawei Technologies (Thailand) on possible collaboration to support the development of the industrial sector through technology and innovation.
The meeting covered the potential use of AI, digital solutions, and clean energy in advancing indust

Announced on May 20, 2026, the Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA), together with the Department of Energy Business and oil distributors, held a press conference confirming that B20 diesel can be safely used in 1,135 vehicle models without affecting engine performance or manufacturer warranties. The compatibl

Reported on May 19, 2026, Thailand rejected U.S. concerns that its automotive and auto parts sectors have excess production capacity. During Section 301 discussions with the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) held from May 13–14 in the United States, Thai officials said production and investment decisions are driven by

Announced on May 20, 2026, Thailand’s Industrial Confidence Index fell to 85.3 in April 2026 from 88.6 in March, according to the Federation of Thai Industries, amid weaker production activity, higher energy costs, and rising logistics expenses. Energy and logistics costs remain important transmission channel affecti

Reported on May 14, 2026, the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and nine other Thai automotive and parts industry groups issued a joint statement calling for urgent measures to support Thailand’s automotive sector during the transition to electric vehicles.
The groups warned that rising imports of fully

Reported on May 12, 2026, automotive industry associations representing over 1,500 companies are preparing to ask the Thai government to raise excise duties on completely imported electric vehicles to at least 32%, widening the gap with locally produced EVs. The proposals primarily reflect concerns about Chinese EV m

Reported on May 11, 2026, the Thai Finance Ministry said the proposed “old cars for new cars” trade-in scheme may be revised or replaced as the Excise Department continues reviewing the proposal. Differences in vehicle condition among cars of the same age have made standardized valuation difficult, while case-by-case

Reported on April 26, 2026, Thailand is set to renew support for electric vehicles through a proposed one-year extension of an 80% reduction in annual tax incentives after the previous scheme expired in late 2025. The initiative follows stronger-than-expected EV adoption, driven by higher fuel costs and rising demand

Announced on April 20, 2026, Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and BOI led talks in the U.S. to attract semiconductor investment, including applications relevant to the automotive sector (especially EVs and automotive electronics), as well as advanced manufacturing systems.
Discussions with U.S. chip and automation fi

Reported on April 17, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) is urging Thailand to ease non-tariff barriers under a reciprocal trade deal across multiple sectors, including the automotive sector, with automotive standards a key issue. 
Thailand does not recognize US Federal Motor Vehicle Sa

Reported on April 17, 2026, the Thai government plans a car trade-in scheme later this year to accelerate the shift to electric and hybrid vehicles, starting with around 10,000–20,000 units on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to a Finance Ministry source, the plan, which is not yet finalized, seeks to boos

Reported on April 8, 2026, Thailand’s Industry Minister, Varawut Silpa-archa, newly in office, pledged support for local manufacturers struggling with rising energy costs and supply chain disruptions caused by the Israel–U.S.–Iran conflict. 
The ministry plans to ease the burden by delaying non-essential projects, re

Reported on April 6, 2026, Toyota Motor Thailand plans to engage the new government on fuel and electricity policies as rising energy costs dampen vehicle demand, while also raising industry issues, including EV incentives, with the new industry minister.
The company said higher oil prices linked to Middle East tensi

Announced on March 13, 2026, Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI) highlighted EV and battery supply chain opportunities at The Battery Show Asia 2026 in Hong Kong during its roadshow held from March 11 to 12, which also featured the “Thailand: Investment Gateway and Global Talent Hub” seminar.
The BOI Secretary Gener

Announced on March 12, 2026, Amata Corporation, together with the Board of Investment (BOI)’s Thai Enterprise Development Division (BUILD), held a marketplace event in Chonburi aimed at linking multinational firms with Thai SMEs.
The event focused on supply chain development in the EV and electronics sectors, with pa

Reported on March 13, 2026, U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) has launched an investigation into 16 trading partners, including Thailand, under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, focusing on policies that may contribute to structural excess manufacturing capacity that could hinder efforts to reshore production and

Reported on February 21, 2026, the Managing Director of Inchcape (Thailand), the official importer of Jaguar, Land Rover and Tata vehicles, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to Thailand despite the new excise tax that took effect on January 1, 2026.
The revised structure, based on engine size and CO2 emissions, rai

Reported on February 17, 2026, Thailand’s Ministry of Industry reaffirmed its goal of concluding FTA negotiations with the European Union by mid-2026, amid the present caretaker administration, during a February 16 meeting with the EU Ambassador to Thailand.
Talks focused on aligning Thailand’s manufacturing sector w