Thailand Car Sales Hit Near 3-Year High

Thailand’s domestic car sales increased by 2.54% year-on-year to 48,392 units in April 2026, easing from 7.29% in the previous month, according to Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Despite the deceleration, April marked the second consecutive month of growth, supported in part by bookings generated at the Bangkok International Motor Show, which attracted orders totaling 48,394 units. Meanwhile, vehicle production slipped 0.44% from a year earlier to a near six-year low of 103,794 units, largely attributed to disruptions in export markets stemming from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up global energy prices and complicated shipping and logistics conditions. Nevertheless, the FTI maintained its 2026 production forecast, projecting total vehicle output to rise by 3% to 1.5 million units this year, following a 0.9% decline to 1.455 million units in 2025. External demand remained subdued, as vehicle exports fell 8.43% year-on-year to 60,190 units in April.

Thailand’s domestic car sales climbed 7.29% year-on-year to 59,865 units in March 2026, marking a notable rebound from a 2.17% decline in the previous month, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). The recovery was largely driven by robust demand for electric vehicles. Meanwhile, Thailand’s automotive production increased 2.69% year-on-year to 133,413 units, slowing from a 3.43% gain in the previous month. The FTI remains cautiously optimistic, forecasting that total car production will grow by around 3% to 1.5 million units in 2026, following a slight contraction of 0.9% to 1.455 million units in 2025. External demand showed some weakness, with vehicle exports slipping 0.64% year-on-year to 80,394 units, highlighting ongoing global headwinds and softer demand in some overseas markets.

Thailand’s domestic car sales fell 2.17% year-on-year to a four-month low of 48,282 units in February 2026, reversing January’s 53.77% surge, according to the Federation of Thai Industries. This marked the first annual decline since March 2025, with Surapong Paisitpatanapong attributing the slowdown to subdued economic growth, tighter auto lending, delayed consumer purchases, and higher energy costs. He also pointed to escalating Middle East war, which have driven up oil prices, raising transport and insurance costs while weighing on global confidence. By segment, BEV sales dropped 18.56% to 6,168 units, while pickup trucks slipped 1.41% to 12,998 units, though signs of stabilization are emerging. Meanwhile, car production rose 3.43% year-on-year to 117,952 units, supported by exports and a modest pickup recovery. Thailand’s car exports were broadly flat at 81,195 units, with Middle East demand holding up but shipments facing delays due to security risks around the Strait of Hormuz.