Automotive industry in Thailand - statistics & facts

The automotive industry in Thailand is a vital contributor to the Thai economy. With the stable economic foundation and resources that the country possesses, Thailand is equipped with a solid ground for future automotive developments. Through the help of government policies, Thailand has grown into a functioning foreign original equipment manufacturer (OEM), particularly in the automotive industry. In 2023, Thailand was the leading Southeast Asian country, among the countries with the highest number of Japanese automotive manufacturing plants in Asia.

The high capacity of vehicle production

Vehicle manufacturing in Thailand started after the Thai government began to import automotives in the 1960s for the country’s economic expansion. Vehicle parts were mainly focused on then, especially for vehicle bodies and suspensions, since the demand in this area had increased. In 2023, the production capacity of automobiles in Thailand reached 1.83 million units. Passenger cars dominate vehicle production in Thailand, with more than 637 thousand units of vehicles produced in 2023.

International automotive trading

Thailand’s economy relies on various significant industries; the automotive industry is the country’s second-largest export industry after the computer parts industry. A significant share of Thailand’s international trade is from the inflow and outflow of automotive trading. Initially, Thailand’s manufacturing industry started with the “Anglo-Thai Motor Company”, a joint venture between Ford of Britain and the Thai Motor Industry Co., which introduced the imports of vehicle parts and performed local assembly for the domestic market. In 2022, vehicle parts and accessories were the leading components for automotive product export value in Thailand.

Key players in Thailand's automotive industry

Thailand’s automotive industry is driven by several key international players. In 2012, various Japanese automotive companies expressed their interest to continue investments in the country, despite Thailand suffering from a catastrophic flood at the end of 2011. Since Japanese automotive enterprises had great confidence in Thailand’s economic attributes, Japanese car brands have been the most sought-after vehicles for Thai consumers. Toyota is certainly one of the most popular car brands in Thailand, accounting for around one-third of the market share of domestic car manufacturers across the country. As the car market's leader, Toyota cars were the highest-selling cars in the country in 2023.
This text provides general information. Statista assumes no liability for the information given being complete or correct. Due to varying update cycles, statistics can display more up-to-date data than referenced in the text.
Published by Statista Research Department, Mar 27, 2024

Key insights

Production volume of vehicles in Thailand
1.83mn units
Domestic sales volume of automobiles in Thailand
776k
Annual growth of motor vehicle sales in Thailand
13%
Get more insights

Editor’s Picks Current statistics on this topic

Vehicle production in Thailand from 2012 to 2023 (in million units)

Vehicle Manufacturing

Vehicle production Thailand 2012-2023

Market share of domestic vehicle manufacturers in Thailand from 2017 to 2022

Vehicle Manufacturing

Market share of domestic vehicle manufacturers Thailand 2017-2022

Sales volume of new vehicles in Thailand in 2023, by major brand (in 1,000s)

Vehicles & Road Traffic

New vehicle sales volume Thailand 2023, by major brand

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