The Board of Investment (BOI) announced a milestone of over 182 billion baht invested in the electric vehicle (EV) industry, emphasizing Thailand's readiness to seize the opportunity to lead the global automotive transition into the ACES era.
On 14 May 2026, Narit Therdsteerasak, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), stated that the global automotive industry is transitioning to an era of electric and intelligent vehicles combined with digital technology, known as ACES, which includes:
This shift has made software, electronics, battery management systems, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) critical competitive factors. This presents a significant opportunity for Thailand to build upon its strong automotive industry foundation and become the region's comprehensive production base for future vehicles, integrating both Green and Smart Mobility.
Furthermore, the Middle East crisis affecting global energy prices has accelerated the shift to electric vehicles, highlighting that Green Mobility is not only an environmental issue but also relates to energy security and national competitiveness.
Thailand therefore prioritizes promoting electric vehicle use, improving energy efficiency, and encouraging clean energy to strengthen energy security and build long-term economic resilience.
Thailand is not merely following the automotive industry's transition trends but is actively shaping its direction by attracting leading global companies, including all types of EV manufacturers and advanced component producers, to establish production and export bases in Thailand.
Moreover, the BOI emphasizes supporting Thai entrepreneurs to integrate strongly into the global supply chain. It has held discussions with four main automotive industry associations to develop next-phase measures.
These include continuous support for vehicle manufacturers in Thailand, increasing domestic component usage, and enhancing the capabilities of Thai entrepreneurs, all aiming to position Thailand as the regional hub for the future automotive industry.
From 2017 to March 2026, investment promotion applications in the EV industry totaled over 182 billion baht, covering production of all types of EVs, batteries, key components, and charging stations, reflecting global investor confidence in Thailand as a major EV production base in the region.
Zhang Yongwei, Chairman of the China EV100 New Energy Vehicle Technology Development Institute, stated that the global automotive industry is entering an accelerated phase of transition to electric vehicles, forecasting that by 2030 EVs will account for 45% of global sales, or 43–45 million units.
EVs are evolving beyond vehicles into technology platforms integrating AI, clean energy, and digital services, shifting the industry's value from engines and hardware to software and service ecosystems. At the same time, international cooperation on batteries, chips, autonomous driving technologies, and global standards will be central to future industry development.