Thailand Maintains 2026 Vehicle Production Target Despite Recent Flooding
The Federation of Thai Industries reports a 6.08% drop in September vehicle production but remains committed to its annual target of 1.45 million units.
According to Khaosod Online, the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) announced that Thailand’s vehicle production for September 2026 reached 120,319 units, marking a 6.08% decline compared to the same period last year. Surapong Paisitpattanapong, spokesperson for the FTI’s automotive industry group, attributed the temporary production slowdown to recent flooding, which disrupted parts manufacturing and logistics, forcing some factories to halt operations between late September and mid-October.
Despite these challenges, the FTI confirms that all factories have resumed normal operations. The organization maintains its 2026 production target of 1.45 million vehicles, consisting of 900,000 units for export and 550,000 for the domestic market. For the first nine months of 2026, total production reached 1,080,030 units, a slight increase of 0.39% year-on-year.
For residents and travelers, this news highlights the resilience of Thailand’s automotive sector, a key pillar of the national economy. While the industry is recovering, the FTI has urged the government to stimulate the pickup truck market, which is currently facing pressure from strict lending criteria and a 37.73% drop in exports to the Middle East. It remains to be seen how the October production figures will reflect the full impact of the recent flooding and whether government intervention will materialize to support domestic sales.
