Thai Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA) has announced the first edition of Future Mobility Thailand 2025 under the theme "Driving Tomorrow: Innovating for a Sustainable and Connected Future". This event will showcase the capabilities of Thai automotive parts manufacturers and connect the Thai automotive industry with international partners, aiming to position Thailand as a hub for future automotive and technology production.

This event, supported by the Office of the Board of Investment (BOI), will take place from April 3-5, 2025, at the BITEC Exhibition and Convention Center, Bangna. It will be a B2B trade show that brings together automotive parts manufacturers, electric vehicle technology developers, supply chain service providers, leading national research institutions, and investors from around the world to exchange ideas and create business opportunities.

Mr. Supach Sukpisarn, Deputy Secretary-General of TAPMA, stated that the organization of Future Mobility Thailand 2025 represents a significant step for the Thai automotive parts industry, ready to embrace modern technologies such as electric vehicles (EV), hybrid vehicles (HEV, PHEV), autonomous driving systems, and connected vehicle technologies.

"The Thai automotive parts industry is highly prepared due to its strong supply chain, and Thai manufacturers have the ability to adapt to new technological trends. This event is a crucial opportunity to open new markets, connect with global partners, and drive Thailand to become the center of the future automotive industry," he added.

Currently, Thailand is the largest automotive and parts manufacturing base in ASEAN and ranks among the Top 10 globally, with a production capacity of over 1.9 million vehicles per year. By 2024, Thailand's automotive and parts exports are expected to account for 12% of GDP, with an export value exceeding 1.02 trillion baht.

On the opening day of the event, there will be a special keynote speech titled "Fight, Save, Create: The Thai Automotive and Parts Industry" by Mr. Eknath Prompan, Minister of Industry, along with a special lecture on the topic from the perspectives of both entrepreneurs and government supporters of the industry, including Mr. Somphol Thanadumrong, President of TAPMA, and Mr. Narut Therdsathirasak, Secretary-General of the BOI.

Mr. Sawak Prakitchitthanont, Vice President for Export Development of TAPMA, highlighted the event's key features, stating that there will be a must-see special zone: the E-Parts & Mobility Revolution zone, showcasing electric vehicle parts and driving technologies that contribute to a sustainable future of transportation. Additionally, the ADAS & Entertainment Systems zone will present technologies for autonomous driving assistance and in-car entertainment solutions that provide a smart and safe driving experience, along with the BGC Green Product & Alternative Energy zone featuring eco-friendly products and alternative energy sources that help reduce carbon emissions. The Performance Parts, Accessories, Maintenance & Car Care zone will showcase high-performance car accessories and modern vehicle maintenance solutions that enhance efficiency and longevity, while the Parts Transform zone will explore the transformation of the automotive parts industry for applications in other sectors such as medical device manufacturing, aviation, rail systems, and agriculture.

Mr. Sawak further stated, "This event presents a great opportunity for Thai automotive parts manufacturers, as Thailand is currently one of the significant automotive parts production bases in the world, with over 1,800 manufacturers capable of producing and developing technologies that align with future automotive industry trends."

Thailand has over 1,686 automotive parts manufacturers, including approximately 476 Tier 1 manufacturers and over 1,210 Tier 2-3 suppliers, with a comprehensive supply chain starting from raw materials, production, to export, and serving as a manufacturing base for more than 30 global automotive brands.

Regarding the EV market trend in the ASEAN region, "Thailand has a high opportunity to become a leader in the electric vehicle market in the region as EVs are currently experiencing rapid growth, especially with Chinese automotive companies establishing production bases in Thailand. This event will serve as an important platform for Thai parts manufacturers to be part of the supply chain for the future automotive industry," Mr. Sawak said.

In 2024, it is expected that sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in Thailand will exceed 100,000 units, with Chinese companies leading the EV market and several brands, such as BYD, NETA, and GWM, establishing production bases in Thailand. By 2030, electric vehicles are projected to account for 30% of automotive production in Thailand, supported by the government's Japan First policy, which aims to promote investment in advanced technologies in the automotive sector, including combustion vehicles, electric vehicles, and hybrids, while encouraging the use of locally produced parts and integrating new innovations into automotive parts development.

Ms. Sirapan Oonart, Vice President for SME Development of TAPMA, emphasized the importance of SMEs, stating, "Currently, Thai SMEs are facing challenges in adapting to the era of electric vehicles and intelligent driving systems. The Future Mobility Thailand 2025 event will provide a platform for SMEs to learn about market trends, production technologies, and international business opportunities. Additionally, this event opens opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to engage in business negotiations and trade matching with automotive companies and global technology manufacturers, which is a crucial opportunity for expanding markets abroad."

"As the automotive industry transitions to the era of EVs and smart vehicles, Thai SMEs must adapt by developing production technologies such as parts for electric vehicles, battery systems, connectivity technologies, or even related software. This event will help Thai SMEs develop and compete on an international level," she added.

In the past, the association, in collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries, has sought ways to push the automotive parts industry to develop towards related industries to support entrepreneurs in transforming themselves, such as discussing measures to set local content ratios or implementing policies to support purchasing or production to enable parts manufacturers to enter the supply chain of the modern automotive industry, as well as upgrading workforce skills from mechanical to electrical to develop products for new industries.

Furthermore, Ms. Sirapan mentioned the support from TAPMA, stating, "The association prioritizes promoting and supporting SMEs by providing in-depth consulting, organizing practical training workshops, and funding support programs to help SMEs adapt and grow in the future automotive industry sustainably."

Future Mobility Thailand 2025 – a platform connecting the Thai industry to the future, organized by the Thai Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association and supported by the Office of the Board of Investment, the Thai Production Subcontracting Promotion Association, the Thai Parts Trade Association, and the Thai Printed Circuit Board Association, is expected to attract interest from global automotive manufacturers, importers-exporters, electric vehicle technology developers, parts manufacturers, and investors looking to participate in driving the Thai automotive industry forward.

For more information about Future Mobility Thailand 2025, please visit:

Website: www.futuremobilitythailand.com; TAPMA website: www.thaiautoparts.or.th