FTI Launches 'Smart Electronics' Strategy to Boost Domestic Value

The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) has officially launched its 'Smart Electronics' strategy as part of the broader 'Reinvent Thailand' initiative. According to Chayanin Phothiworakun, Chairman of the FTI’s Electrical and Electronics Industry Group, the program seeks to transition local manufacturers from basic assembly roles toward high-value design, system integration, and advanced technology. The primary goal is to increase the use of locally sourced components, thereby reducing reliance on imports and capturing new domestic demand.

This shift is significant for Thailand’s economic landscape, as the electrical and electronics sector currently accounts for approximately one-quarter of the nation's total exports. Data from the Board of Investment (BOI) highlights that electronics exports reached roughly 1.86 trillion baht in 2024. Furthermore, the sector is seeing a surge in investment, particularly in data centers, with the BOI receiving 36 project applications in 2025 alone.

For residents and business observers, this strategy signals a potential long-term strengthening of the local tech supply chain. While the FTI has set an ambitious target of 1 trillion baht in added value over the next five years, the specific mechanisms for achieving this growth and the timeline for tangible impacts on the consumer market remain to be confirmed. The initiative reflects a broader national effort to modernize Thailand's industrial base.