Japan · Thai Examiner
Panic in government as Japanese auto firms hit back at years of neglect in favour of Chinese EV makers
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Anutin pledges not to abandon Japanese carmakers as Thailand’s automotive crisis deepens. Sales have plunged 26.2%, Chinese brands control 70% of the electric market and factory closures threaten an industrial network supporting 700,000 Thai workers.
Key facts
- Furthermore, the wider sector was valued at about $53 billion during 2024
- New vehicle sales fell 26.2% during 2024
- Anutin pledges not to abandon Japanese carmakers as Thailand’s automotive crisis deepens
- Anutin pledges better business conditions to protect Japan’s longstanding production base
- Japanese carmakers face deepening crisis as Chinese electric vehicle brands seize the Thai market
- The automotive sector contributes roughly 10% of Thailand’s gross domestic product
Summary
Thailand’s car industry faces a defining showdown as Chinese electric vehicles batter its Japanese-built manufacturing base. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denies Japanese firms are leaving, despite closures, falling output and a brutal 26.2% sales collapse. Chinese brands now control over 70% of the battery-electric market, while 2,000 suppliers and 700,000 jobs face mounting pressure.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has rejected reports that Japanese manufacturers are moving production bases out of Thailand. He said foreign investment remained strong despite deep disruption across the automotive industry. However, Japanese carmakers face falling sales, factory consolidation and aggressive Chinese electric vehicle competition. Several have already closed plants, ended assembly or reduced production.