The government is accelerating efforts to increase Local Content, pushing Thai auto parts manufacturers into the global supply chain. The BOI matched 71 business pairs, connecting 76 Thai companies to enhance order opportunities and reduce import dependence.
On 12 Nov 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that the government is advancing policies to increase the use of domestically produced parts (Local Content) to elevate Thai producers' capabilities and integrate them into the global automotive supply chain. It also promotes foreign investment to yield tangible benefits for Thailand's economy, including increased order opportunities, technology transfer, job creation, and reduced reliance on imported parts.
Recently, the Board of Investment (BOI), together with Great Wall Motor (GWM), organized an event connecting Thai producers with major automotive and parts manufacturers on 11 Nov 2026 in Chonburi Province. Of 203 applicants, 76 companies were selected, resulting in 71 business negotiation pairs. This opened opportunities for Thai parts manufacturers to showcase their capabilities and negotiate procurement directly with major producers.
Ms. Lalida stated this initiative is part of the government's strategy to increase the use of domestic raw materials and parts, especially in the automotive industry, which is a key production base in Thailand. Linking Thai producers with major manufacturers helps distribute foreign investment funds more widely among domestic parts makers, particularly medium and small enterprises with potential but limited access to large companies' procurement networks.
This procurement negotiation covered 10 key automotive parts groups: body and surface coating, chassis, electrical systems, electric vehicle parts, exterior parts, interior parts and noise and vibration reduction systems, drive batteries, powertrain systems, thermal management and air conditioning, as well as molds, tools, and related services. Five Tier 1 parts manufacturers participated, providing opportunities for Thai Tier 2 and Tier 3 enterprises to develop capabilities to join future procurement networks.
GWM's automotive production base in Rayong Province uses domestic parts and resources for new vehicle models at rates between 45 and 52 percent, reflecting opportunities to increase parts procurement from Thai manufacturers. This business matching aims to give domestic producers direct access to procurement demands and standards from major manufacturers to build future orders. However, the negotiation results do not yet represent confirmed orders.
Ms. Lalida added that the government prioritizes upgrading Thai parts makers from traditional industries to modern automotive sectors, especially those specializing in metal, plastic, rubber, molds, and machinery parts, which can expand into producing electric vehicle parts, batteries, and thermal management systems. Providing producers direct access to procurement needs helps them plan product development, improve production processes, and upgrade workforce skills to meet global buyer standards.
Meanwhile, the BOI continues organizing activities to connect Thai producers with foreign investors, including business matching events and SUBCON Thailand, to expand market opportunities for Thai parts makers. The goal is for investment promotion to benefit not only foreign companies investing in Thailand but also to foster sustained growth among Thai suppliers in the supply chain, increase domestic production value, and strengthen Thailand's industrial base over the long term.
“The government emphasizes increasing Local Content because attracting foreign investment must also create growth opportunities for Thai producers. Providing a platform for 76 Thai parts manufacturers to negotiate directly with major producers is an important step to increase order opportunities, raise production standards, and reduce import dependence. The government will continue supporting Thai producers to play a greater role in the automotive supply chain to create added value for Thailand's economy and sustainably enhance the country's competitiveness,” Ms. Lalida said.