BANGKOK, May 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand is accelerating its automotive industry's shift toward smart and green mobility, positioning electric vehicle (EV) adoption as a core pillar for both economic resilience and national energy security, the head of the country's Board of Investment (BOI) has said.
Speaking at the BOI Symposium 2026 on Wednesday, BOI Secretary General Narit Therdsteerasukdi outlined a comprehensive policy framework designed to transform the Southeast Asian nation's established manufacturing base into a hub for next-generation vehicles.
Narit emphasized that the global push for green mobility is no longer solely about climate change but rather about insulating economies from external shocks like fossil fuel price fluctuations.
"The more we can electrify transport and connect mobility with cleaner energy, the more resilient our economy will become," he said in a keynote speech.
This strategic shift has already yielded substantial momentum, with Thailand receiving more than 180 billion baht (around 5.56 billion U.S. dollars) in investments covering the entire EV ecosystem, spanning vehicle assembly, key components, battery manufacturing, and charging infrastructure, according to BOI.
Recent data also reflects rapid domestic adoption. Pure-battery EVs accounted for nearly 20 percent of total vehicle registrations in 2025, a sharp increase from just 0.2 percent five years ago. When combined with strong growth in the hybrid sector, electrified vehicles (xEVs) captured more than 44 percent of the entire Thai auto market last year.
While Thailand is ramping up its EV push through demand-side subsidies and tax incentives, Narit underscored that the policy approach is designed to be inclusive, serving as a "transition bridge" for the kingdom's vast existing network of traditional auto parts suppliers.
He said BOI continues to support the full spectrum of xEV technologies, including hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and fuel cell technology, to allow existing manufacturers to gradually upgrade their production lines.
As part of this transition, automakers applying for excise tax reductions on hybrid vehicles over the next seven years will be required to utilize locally produced battery packs and key components and install at least four advanced driver assistance systems, he added.
For the next development phase, Narit said the BOI is focusing on localizing supply chains and boosting export capabilities. It is also incentivizing existing manufacturers to upgrade their production lines with automation and robotics, while promoting joint ventures between Thai and foreign automotive parts firms to deepen technology transfer.
As global automotive competitiveness is pivoting away from traditional mechanical engineering toward software, electronics, sensors, and battery management systems, he noted that future industry leaders will be determined by "who can control the intelligence of the vehicle." ■
