EVAT Highlights Automation and EV Opportunities at Chonburi Seminar

On February 25, 2026, Mr. Sayamnat Phanussorn, Vice President of Industrial Policy and Investment Support at the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), was invited as a speaker at a special seminar in Chonburi Province. The event, organized by the Thai-German Institute (TGI) during Automation Expo 2026, took place at the Nong Nooch Pattaya International Convention and Exhibition Center.

The seminar attracted over 100 attendees, including manufacturing entrepreneurs, engineers, executives from public and private sectors, and media. Other panelists included Mr. Supakit Boonsiri, Director of the Office of Industrial Economics; Mr. Phoothana Daoruang, General Manager of the Thai Printed Circuit Association; and Asst. Prof. Dr. Wimon Saenum, Director of Commercial Research and Innovation Business at Panus Assembly Co., Ltd.

Key Points from EVAT Representative

Mr. Sayamnat emphasized that amid massive investments in S-Curve industries, especially electric vehicles (EVs), automation technology is no longer optional but essential for improving production efficiency. Thai manufacturers must adopt automation to integrate into global supply chains.

Thailand's EV Industry Status (End of 2025)

• Growth: 122,681 new BEVs registered in 2025, bringing the total on-road to over 282,000.
• Infrastructure: Nearly 14,000 public charging points available.
• Production base: Thailand has a maximum BEV production capacity of over 500,000 units per year from automakers that have set up factories in the country.

Recommendations and 'Last Defense' for Thai Industry

Mr. Sayamnat pointed out that the new excise tax structure will be a key mechanism to support locally produced cars. He urged Thai manufacturers to upgrade to high-value-added products. Without adopting innovative production technologies or automation, they risk losing value-added opportunities and being confined to low-value components.