New vehicle sales in Thailand edged up by 2.5% to 48,394 units in April 2026, up from 47,193 units a year earlier, according to the latest data released by the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). Sales were lifted by deliveries of vehicles purchased at last month’s Bangkok International Motor Show, particularly battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

The market last month continued its moderate, year-long recovery following two years of sharp declines, but volumes remain far below previous peaks despite a pick-up in economic activity in the country. GDP growth accelerated to 2.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026, up from 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2025, reflecting a sharp rise in government spending and stronger private investment growth, while private consumption growth eased slightly.

In the first four months of 2026, Thailand’s domestic vehicle market expanded by 15% to 230,477 units, from 200,386 units a year earlier. Sales of pickup trucks fell by a further 6% to 48,324 units in this period, while sales of light passenger vehicles surged by 24% to 157,099 units – including a 91% jump in battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales to 64,109 units, while sales of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) rose by 25% to 51,434 units.

Vehicle production in the country rose by almost 4% to 473,545 vehicles year-to-date, while exports fell by 3.4% to 280,184 units, with shipments to the Middle East affected by the US conflict with Iran. Exports of pickup trucks fell by almost 6% to 176,415 units in this period.

Earlier this year, the FTI said it expected vehicle production in the country to reach 1.5 million units this year, including 550,000 for sale domestically and 950,000 for export. GlobalData expects domestic light vehicle sales to continue to rise this year, by 2% to 629,000 units after growing by 9% to 618,000 units last year, followed by a 9% rise to 684,000 units in 2027.