Economy
Deputy PM Anutin Addresses Concerns Over Japanese Automotive Investment in Thailand
Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has dismissed rumors regarding Japanese firms relocating production bases, pledging to protect traditional automotive industries while revising EV promotion policies.
On August 21, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed public concerns regarding the potential departure of Japanese automotive manufacturers from Thailand. According to a report by Thai Post, Anutin explicitly denied rumors that Japanese investors are abandoning their production bases in the country. He emphasized that the government remains committed to supporting long-term partners and is dedicated to safeguarding the traditional automotive sector.
To address industry concerns, Anutin has directed Ekniti Nitithanprapas to overhaul the current electric vehicle (EV) promotion criteria. The objective of this revision is to eliminate regulatory inconsistencies that may have placed established automotive companies at a disadvantage. Anutin highlighted that foreign investment in Thailand reached over 530 billion baht during the first half of the year, citing this figure as evidence of continued confidence in Thailand’s manufacturing strength.
For residents and expatriates, this development suggests a government effort to balance the transition toward green energy with the stability of the existing industrial workforce. While the government maintains that there are no signs of a mass exodus of Japanese firms, the specific details of the revised EV promotion criteria remain to be finalized. Observers should monitor upcoming policy announcements to see how these adjustments will impact the automotive market and the broader economic landscape in Thailand.