H. Yoo
Research expert covering South Korea
Motorcycle industry in Thailand - statistics & facts
Thailand's motorcycle industry began in the 1960s when the Board of Investment aimed to decrease imports of motorcycles by supporting domestic production. Initially, the sector was limited to assembling imported parts within Thailand. However, after Honda opened its first production plants in the kingdom, other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, like Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki, entered the market. Today, Thailand is a major producer of smaller motorcycles and scooters. Most of the production plants are in the central and eastern region, in close proximity to major commercial ports. Although the country mainly supplies the domestic demand for motorcycles, Thailand’s export of motorcycles is some of the highest worldwide. The most important export market for motorcycles produced in Thailand are countries of the European Union.
