Thailand Advances Smart Green Mobility Initiatives

Post by : Shakul

Thailand is taking significant strides to establish itself as a prominent center for smart and green mobility by forming alliances with major electric vehicle manufacturers and tech firms from China, Japan, and Europe. Recently, the Board of Investment (BOI) convened the “Thailand Driving Toward Smart and Green Mobility” symposium during SUBCON Thailand 2026 in Bangkok, attracting global automotive leaders, investors, and industry experts to discuss the EV industry's future and advanced automotive technologies.

With over 500 attendees, the event featured key figures from China EV100, BYD, Bosch, Isuzu, Autoliv, among others. Discussions centered on the global shift towards electric vehicles, smart transport systems, sustainable energy solutions, and innovative automotive technologies like artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and digital mobility platforms.

BOI Secretary-General Narut Teodsathirasak highlighted that Thailand is not just keeping pace with international trends in the automotive sector but is actively influencing its evolution in Southeast Asia. He emphasized the entrance into the ACES era focused on Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared Mobility technologies, underscoring that innovation in software, battery management, and intelligent driving systems will be critical for competitiveness.

To fortify the nation’s energy security and economic stability, the Thai government remains committed to fostering investment in electric vehicles and related sectors. From 2017 to March 2026, investment promotion applications in the EV industry surpassed 182 billion baht, encompassing electric vehicle assembly, battery manufacturing, charging stations, and high-tech components, bolstering Thailand's reputation as an EV manufacturing hub within ASEAN.

Industry leaders at the symposium stressed the necessity of establishing a complete EV ecosystem in Thailand. Experts reiterated the need for further development of charging infrastructure, modernization of production systems, enhanced clean energy utilization, and training a highly skilled workforce to support this automotive transformation. The call for greater collaboration between tech firms, energy providers, and car manufacturers was a recurring theme.

Representatives from BYD Auto Thailand remarked that the increase in energy costs and global fuel issues are expediting Thailand’s transition to electric mobility. They urged the government to continue its support for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) to ensure local parts manufacturers smoothly adjust to new technologies while sustaining Thailand’s automotive supply chain strength.

Executives from Bosch and Autoliv noted that the automotive industry is rapidly shifting due to advancements in software, electronics, artificial intelligence, and smart safety systems. They recognized Thailand’s robust manufacturing capabilities and well-established supplier networks but emphasized the necessity for further investments in cutting-edge technology and innovation to maintain a competitive edge.

China EV100 President Zhang Yongwei projected that by 2030, electric vehicles may represent nearly 45 percent of global vehicle sales. He described EVs as evolving beyond mere transportation to serve as technology platforms integrating artificial intelligence, clean energy, digital services, and interconnected mobility systems. He emphasized the importance of international collaboration in battery technology, semiconductors, autonomous driving, and software for shaping the automotive sector's future.

The Thai government envisions smart and green mobility as a substantial factor in fostering sustainable economic expansion, energy security, and environmental conservation. Officials reaffirmed their ambition to transform Thailand into a comprehensive manufacturing center for futuristic vehicles while enhancing local businesses’ engagement with global supply chains over the next decade.