Kriengsak Wongpromrat, president of the Thailand Automotive Institute, delivers a speech at the Chongqing Automotive Innovation Conference 2026 on Sept 3. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
Thailand is positioning itself as a vital overseas manufacturing base and regional R&D hub for Chinese automakers, seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation in the automotive sector and tap into the expanding global markets for new energy and intelligent vehicles.
This strategic ambition was highlighted by Thai industry representatives at the Chongqing Automotive Innovation Conference 2026 last week.
As one of ASEAN's top automotive exporters, Thailand produces between 1.5 million and 2 million vehicles annually, of which roughly 1 million are shipped to more than 130 countries and regions.
With a 60-year industrial heritage and a network of nearly 2,000 local suppliers, the country boasts a complete regional supply chain and hosts R&D centers for global manufacturers.
