BANGKOK, June 24 (TNA) – Thailand’s May auto production jumped 10.32% to 139,186 units, the first increase in 21 months, driven by a 641.16% surge in BEV output.
Domestic sales also grew for the second straight month, up 10.67% to 52,229 units, largely due to rising EV and ICE passenger car sales from more affordable pricing.
However, pickup truck sales fell 24.84% amid strict loan approvals, high household debt, and weak private investment. Political uncertainty over the 2026 budget also weighs on the economy.
Surapong Paisitpatanapong spokesperson for the Automotive Industry Group of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), anticipates over 100,000 EV registrations this year. He flagged potential impacts from budget delays, the Thai-Cambodian border dispute, and other international conflicts.
Meanwhile, May finished vehicle exports dropped 9.20% year-on-year to 81,071 units, though up 23.34% from April. This decline was due to discontinued exports of some passenger car models to the U.S. and Europe, while pickup and HEV exports increased. Uncertainties persist from U.S. import tariffs and global conflicts. The FTI also proposed an “old-car-for-new-car” scheme to boost domestic sales. -819 (TNA)
