Thailand Champions Green Mobility Initiatives

Thailand is forging ahead with its ambitions to be a leading hub for smart and eco-friendly mobility by forming significant partnerships with top electric vehicle manufacturers and tech firms from regions such as China, Japan, and Europe. The Board of Investment (BOI) recently convened the “Thailand Driving Toward Smart and Green Mobility” symposium during SUBCON Thailand 2026 in Bangkok, where global automotive executives, investors, and industry experts congregated to explore the future landscape of electric vehicles and cutting-edge automotive technologies.

More than 500 attendees graced the symposium, which featured prominent figures from China EV100, BYD, Bosch, Isuzu, Autoliv, and other key automotive and tech companies. It spotlighted the ongoing global shift toward electric vehicles, smart transportation infrastructures, clean energy innovations, and advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and digital mobility platforms.

According to BOI Secretary-General Narut Teodsathirasak, Thailand isn’t merely following the automotive trends but is instead actively sculpting the industry's future within Southeast Asia. He emphasized the automotive sector's transition into the ACES era, which stands for Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared Mobility technologies. He pointed out that software systems, battery management, electronics, and intelligent driving are key to achieving competitiveness in modern automotive markets.

The Thai government remains committed to bolstering investments in electric vehicles and associated industries to fortify national energy security and enhance long-term economic stability. Officials noted that since 2017 through March 2026, investment applications within the EV sector have surpassed 182 billion baht, encompassing electric vehicle manufacturing, battery production, charging stations, and advanced automotive components, further solidifying Thailand’s standing as a central EV production hub in ASEAN.

Industry leaders emphasized at the symposium the necessity for creating a holistic EV ecosystem in Thailand. Experts argued that ongoing enhancements in charging networks, modernization of production methods, promotion of clean energy, and training of a skilled workforce are vital for the upcoming automotive evolution. They also underscored the importance of fostering collaborations among tech firms, energy sector representatives, and automotive manufacturers.

Representatives from BYD Auto Thailand acknowledged that escalating energy costs and international fuel concerns are propelling Thailand’s transition to electric mobility. They encouraged the government to persist in supporting Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to aid local parts manufacturers in adapting to evolving technologies while sustaining the resilience of Thailand’s automotive supply chain.

Bosch and Autoliv executives noted that innovation in software, electronics, AI, and smart safety features is rapidly changing the automotive landscape globally. They affirmed that Thailand possesses strong manufacturing prowess and a well-established supplier base, but further advancements in technology will be critical to keeping pace in the competitive global marketplace.

China EV100 President Zhang Yongwei projected that electric vehicles might represent nearly 45 percent of worldwide vehicle sales by 2030. He described these vehicles as evolving beyond mere transportation means into technology platforms that integrate AI, clean energy, digital services, and connected mobility. He stressed the significance of international collaboration in battery tech, semiconductors, autonomous capabilities, and software development for the future of the automotive sector.

The Thai government endorses the idea that smart and green mobility will be pivotal in driving sustainable economic growth, ensuring energy stability, and protecting the environment. Officials further stated their ambition for Thailand to serve as a comprehensive manufacturing hub for future vehicles, while also enabling local businesses to integrate more effectively within global supply chains over the coming decade.