Thailand Auto Sales Hit Two-Year High in 2025 as EV Boom Offsets Weak Economy
電動車熱潮抵銷疲軟的經濟，泰國2025汽車銷量創兩年新高
Thailand’s automobile sales climbed to a two-year high in 2025, driven by a surge in electric vehicle (EV) purchases despite sluggish economic growth. Total vehicle sales reached 621,166 units, up 8.5% from 2024, according to Federation of Thai Industries. EVs accounted for 45% of total sales, or 276,697 units, with battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales jumping 80% to 120,301 units. Industry spokesperson Surapong Paisitpattanapong said aggressive price cuts by Chinese manufacturers, including BYD Co., helped fuel demand, with discounts of up to 38% on some models such as the Seal sedan.
Looking ahead, the industry group expects domestic vehicle sales to rise further in 2026, supported by post-election stimulus measures. Vehicle production is forecast to increase to 1.5 million units, comprising 950,000 units for export and 550,000 for domestic sales, up from 1.46 million units produced in 2025. However, Surapong cautioned that EV exports may soften due to growing competition from Chinese EVs made elsewhere and the impact of US tariffs, even as output of internal combustion engine vehicles continues to decline sharply.
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-01-28/thailand-s-2025-auto-sales-climb-to-two-year-high-on-ev-demand
編按：泰國汽車銷量在2025年創下兩年新高，成長8.5% 達到621,166輛，其中電動車佔市場份額的45%，這主要受惠於中國製造商的大幅折扣。泰國工業聯合會預計: 2026年汽車產銷量將進一步成長，唯電動車出口可能面臨來自全球競爭和美國關稅的壓力。
AI to Drive Thailand’s Electronics Industry Toward Smart Manufacturing Hub
人工智慧將推動泰國電子產業向智慧製造中心轉型
Thailand’s electronics industry is entering a new phase of transformation as artificial intelligence (AI) takes on a central role in manufacturing. The Thailand Development Research Institute projects that the country’s AI industry will expand at a compound annual growth rate of 42.4% between 2020 and 2030, with both public and private sectors expected to play a key role in accelerating adoption. Analysts say the integration of AI into electronics and other manufacturing sectors aligns with the Thailand 4.0 policy, which seeks to shift the economy toward a knowledge-based model by 2050 through advanced technologies such as semiconductors, photonics and Industry 4.0 systems.
To strengthen Thailand’s position as a regional manufacturing hub, SCB EIC has outlined several strategic priorities for the electronics sector. These include a stronger focus on green technologies and clean energy use, the development of skilled labor through updated curricula and workforce reskilling, and greater investment in research and development to support upstream semiconductor production. The recommendations also call for relaxed regulations for highly skilled foreign workers, expanded tax incentives for advanced semiconductor firms, and accelerated development of digital and energy infrastructure to attract long-term foreign investment into green and high-tech electronics manufacturing.
編按：泰國電子產業正積極擁抱人工智慧，試圖轉型為智慧製造中心。在「泰國4.0」政策的指導下，預計2020到2030年的十年間，該產業將以每年42.4%的速度成長。策略重點包括推動綠色科技發展、擴大半導體研發投入、提昇勞動技能以及提供優惠政策以吸引外國投資進入高科技製造業。
Thailand Pledges Debt Relief, Investment Push and Fiscal Discipline After Election
泰國承諾大選後將實施債務紓解、促進投資和加強財政紀律
Thailand’s new government will prioritize debt-relief measures and accelerated investment to revive economic activity while maintaining fiscal discipline, Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said following the weekend election. He stressed that forming a durable coalition would be critical for the country’s fiscal outlook, after a surprise victory by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul raised hopes of greater political stability. The government will continue existing debt-relief programmes and step up regulatory action against scams and illicit financial activity, while also monitoring the baht’s recent appreciation. The currency has risen about 1% so far this year after gaining 9% in 2025, threatening the competitiveness of exports and tourism, as foreign arrivals fell 10.77% year-on-year to 4.19 million between January 1 and February 8.
With economic growth lagging regional peers amid high household debt and external pressures such as U.S. tariffs, the finance minister said fourth-quarter growth in 2025 was likely above 1.8%, with full-year expansion exceeding 2.2%. He added that the government would fast-track investment projects and speed up preparation of the 2027 fiscal budget to avoid delays and restore investor confidence. Thailand will also permit trading in carbon credits to strengthen its sustainability agenda. Despite stimulus efforts, Ekniti emphasized that fiscal discipline would be preserved, noting that foreign investors are closely watching the new administration’s policy direction.
編者按：泰國新政府計劃透過債務紓解、加速投資和碳信用交易來重振經濟成長，同時保持財政紀律以安撫投資者。泰國副總理兼財政部長艾卡尼提強調，維持執政聯盟穩定、採取刺激措施和加快預算編制是關鍵優先事項，唯內在的高額家計負債和外來的美國關稅壓力仍然是挑戰。
Gartner Warns of Radical Shift in Cybersecurity as Agentic AI and Post-Quantum Threats Loom
Gartner警告：隨著代理式人工智慧和後量子威脅的逼近，網路安全將發生根本性轉變
Cybersecurity leaders are entering “uncharted territory” as autonomous artificial intelligence and emerging post-quantum risks reshape the global threat landscape, according to Gartner, Inc.. The research firm said the convergence of agentic AI, rising geopolitical tensions and volatile regulation will redefine how organisations manage cyber risk in 2026. Gartner identified six major trends set to dominate boardroom agendas, led by the rapid adoption of AI agents in workplaces and software development. The spread of low-code tools and “vibe coding” has created a surge in unmanaged AI systems, opening new attack surfaces and increasing the risk of regulatory breaches and insecure code.
Gartner also highlighted growing regulatory pressure on executives, warning that cyber risk must now be treated as a core business risk requiring close coordination between legal, procurement and technical teams. At the same time, the firm cautioned that advances in quantum computing could undermine today’s encryption standards by 2030, making “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks a serious concern for long-term sensitive data. Organisations were urged to begin migrating to post-quantum cryptography and to rethink identity and access management frameworks to handle machine-based actors, as traditional systems are ill-equipped to manage autonomous AI agents and could leave companies more exposed to access-related breaches.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40062565
編者按：Gartner 警告: 隨著代理式人工智慧的普及和後量子威脅重塑風險管理，網路安全正進入“全新的未知領域”，而不受管理的人工智慧系統會帶來新的漏洞。該公司敦促各組織將網路風險視為核心業務問題，開始向後量子密碼學轉移，並重新設計身分框架以應對各種自主人工智慧的代理人。
Thailand Leads ASEAN in AI Use Among Students, but Experts Warn of Readiness Gap
泰國的學生在人工智慧應用方面領先東協，但專家警告稱，整體的完備程度仍有差距
Thailand has emerged as the leading adopter of Artificial Intelligence within ASEAN, with new research showing that more than 90% of Thai students regularly use Generative AI tools. The findings, released by the ASEAN Foundation with support from Google.org, come as Southeast Asia’s digital economy is projected to grow from $300 billion to $1 trillion by 2030. The ASEAN Digital Outlook and AI Ready ASEAN Research reports were unveiled at the “AI Ready ASEAN” regional policy summit in Manila, offering a detailed assessment of digital infrastructure and institutional preparedness across member states.
The study found that 90.29% of Thai students and 81.34% of teachers are now frequent users of Generative AI, with creative applications such as graphic design platforms proving especially popular. However, researchers warned of a widening “readiness gap,” as educators, parents and master trainers often lack formal training and ethical frameworks to guide responsible use. Dr Piti Srisangnam, executive director of the ASEAN Foundation, said AI adoption across the region is advancing faster than governance systems can keep pace, stressing that policy must now focus on preparing institutions and communities so that AI supports society as well as economic growth.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40062452
編按：泰國的學生在人工智慧應用方面領先東協，超過90%的學生和81%的教師使用生成式人工智慧工具，尤其是在創意應用方面。然而，專家警告: 由於教育工作者和相關機構欠缺完整的培訓與倫理體系架構，目前仍存在準備不足的問題，同時也呼籲加強治理，以確保人工智慧能夠同時促進社會和經濟成長。
AI-Powered Scams Target Working-Age Thais as Fraud Losses Surge in 2026
人工智慧詐騙瞄準泰國勞動年齡人口，預計2026年詐騙損失將激增
Thailand’s working-age population has emerged as the prime target for increasingly sophisticated online scams, as criminals deploy artificial intelligence to fake faces and voices, lure victims through QR codes, and steal money at speed. The Anti Online Scam Operation Centre (AOC 1441) has warned that fraudsters are now combining AI tools with traditional scam tactics, making schemes harder to detect and trace. Caretaker Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob said preventing cybercrime is a top priority, with authorities focusing on boosting public awareness and “immunity” against new forms of deception, as damage from such crimes can be swift and difficult to reverse.
Data from AOC 1441 shows that in 2025, people aged 20–49 accounted for 405,929 fraud cases, with financial losses reaching 23.4 billion baht. Common schemes included fake online sales, bogus income opportunities, and fraudulent investment platforms, often routed through mule accounts to conceal money trails. Looking ahead to 2026, officials expect four major scam types to dominate: SMS and Line link scams impersonating authorities, AI deepfake calls using familiar faces and voices, fake QR codes planted in public spaces, and online investment fraud promising unrealistic returns. Authorities stressed that public vigilance—verifying sources, avoiding suspicious links and QR codes, and distrusting urgent money requests—will be critical as trust itself becomes the main vulnerability in the digital age.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/tech/40062053
編按：針對泰國勞動年齡人口進行的人工智慧詐騙活動日益猖獗，深偽電話、虛假二維碼和網路投資詐騙預計在2025年造成234億泰銖的損失。當局警告: 保持警惕—核實資訊來源、避免可疑連結、對緊急匯款請求保持警覺—至關重要，因為信任本身將在2026年成為最大的安全漏洞。
Proposed Power Tariff Hike Could Push Thailand’s EV Charging Costs to 11 Baht per Unit
擬議的電價上漲或將使泰國電動車充電成本上升至每單位11泰銖。
Thailand’s electric vehicle (EV) sector is facing fresh uncertainty as proposed electricity rate adjustments threaten to drive up public charging costs to as much as 11 baht per unit, eroding the cost advantage over petrol-powered cars. The Ministry of Energy has instructed the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to revise the current pricing structure, arguing that the existing rate of 2.91 baht per unit does not reflect real procurement and grid maintenance expenses. Until now, the gap has been absorbed into the national fuel adjustment charge (Ft), effectively spreading the subsidy across all electricity consumers rather than just EV users.
With hundreds of thousands of EVs now on Thai roads, authorities say the financial burden on power utilities is becoming unsustainable. Analysts estimate that once land rental, equipment depreciation and maintenance costs are fully accounted for, retail charging prices could rise from the present 7.5–8.5 baht per unit to between 9.5 and 11 baht. Industry groups warn that such an increase could slow EV adoption, undermine Thailand’s Net Zero ambitions and weaken its bid to become Southeast Asia’s leading EV manufacturing hub. In response, the private sector is urging the government to introduce mitigation measures, including land and building tax waivers for charging operators, incentives for solar-powered stations, and temporary subsidies to preserve a price gap between electric and petrol vehicles during the industry’s critical growth phase.
https://www.nationthailand.com/business/automobile/40061904
編按：泰國電動車產業面臨日益加劇的不確定性，擬議的電價上漲可能使每單位充電成本高達11泰銖，從而削弱其相對於汽油車的價格優勢。產業組織警告: 此舉可能會減緩電動車的普及率，削弱淨零排放目標的實現，同時也呼籲政府透過稅收減免、太陽能獎勵措施和臨時補貼等方式提供支持。
Malaysia’s Heng Hiap Industries Becomes First Southeast Asian Plastic Recycler to Earn B Corp Certification
馬來西亞Heng Hiap Industries(HHI)成為東南亞首家獲得B型(社會共益)企業認證的塑膠回收企業
Heng Hiap Industries Sdn. Bhd. (HHI) has become the first mechanical and chemical plastic recycler in Southeast Asia to receive B Corporation (B Corp) certification, marking a major milestone for Malaysia’s circular economy ambitions. The certification, verified by an independent body appointed by B Lab, follows HHI’s successful grant support under the Domestic Investment Accelerator Fund for ESG (DIAF-ESG) administered by the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA). The recognition highlights HHI’s performance in environmental stewardship, transparent governance and social responsibility, reinforcing its role in transforming post-consumer and ocean-bound plastic waste into traceable, premium-grade recycled resins exported to more than 40 countries.
MIDA said the achievement reflects the effectiveness of its ESG-focused incentives and advisory programmes aimed at small and mid-tier companies, supporting Malaysia’s transition toward low-carbon and resource-efficient industries in line with its net-zero target for 2050. MIDA chief executive Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid said HHI’s certification demonstrates how innovation and sustainable manufacturing can drive high-value green industries, while HHI CEO Kian Seah described the milestone as a foundation for building “circular trust” through traceability and verified impact. With its inclusion among the global B Corp community, HHI is expected to strengthen investor confidence in Malaysia’s circular manufacturing sector and expand its supply of verified recycled materials to markets in Asia, Europe and the United States.
Media Release Archives – MIDA | Malaysian Investment Development Authority
編按：HHI成為東南亞首家獲得B型(社會共益)企業認證的塑膠回收企業，凸顯了馬來西亞向循環經濟和淨零排放目標邁進的決心。在馬來西亞投資發展局（MIDA）以環境、社會和治理（ESG）為重點的獎勵措施的支持下，此里程碑式的成就提振了投資者信心，並使HHI擴大其認證再生材料在亞洲、歐洲和美國的供應。
AI, Semiconductors and Data Centres to Drive Malaysia’s Growth Outlook in 2026
人工智慧、半導體和資料中心將驅動馬來西亞2026年的成長
Malaysia’s expanding investment in artificial intelligence, semiconductors and data centre infrastructure is reinforcing expectations of 4–5% economic growth in 2026, according to ACCA’s latest Global Economic Outlook. The report cites strong semiconductor exports, rising AI investment and the rapid build-out of data centres as key growth drivers, even as global trade uncertainty and geopolitical risks persist. Technology supply chains across Asia are drawing fresh capital as manufacturers diversify production bases, with Malaysia leveraging its established role in chip assembly and testing. However, business leaders caution that the next phase of competitiveness will depend less on policy ambition and more on how quickly firms—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—adopt new tools and upgrade skills.
Georg Chmiel, board member of the World Digital Chamber, said AI represents a faster and more disruptive shift than previous industrial revolutions, reshaping knowledge work through task redesign before triggering broader labour market changes. He warned that productivity gaps could widen sharply between workers who use AI and those who do not, creating what he described as an “augmented versus unaugmented” divide. With nearly 900,000 SMEs forming the backbone of Malaysia’s economy, Chmiel stressed that large-scale gains will hinge on embedding AI into everyday business operations through digital supply chains and procurement networks, rather than isolated pilot projects. As Malaysia advances its New Industrial Master Plan 2030, analysts say sustained growth will depend on how effectively businesses translate infrastructure investment into measurable gains in output, quality and delivery across industries.
編按：受強勁的半導體出口、人工智慧投資成長和資料中心快速擴張的推動，馬來西亞經濟預計在2026年成長4%至5%。分析師警告: 中小企業能否保持持續競爭力，取決於能否將人工智慧融入日常運營，因為有否具備運用人工智慧能力的員工間的生產力差距可能會擴大。
Penang Accelerates Push to Become Malaysia’s AI-Ready State with Start-ups and Semiconductor Innovation
檳城加速推動成為馬來西亞人工智慧的前導州，扶持新創企業和半導體創新
Penang’s drive to become an artificial intelligence (AI)-ready state is entering a new phase, underpinned by stronger digital participation, expanding technical capabilities and wider industry adoption of AI tools across design, manufacturing and public services. More than 250 start-ups are now registered with Digital Penang Sdn Bhd, with the state targeting 500 by 2030, while its DahDigital upskilling programme has reached nearly 18,000 participants. Penang was recently named Malaysia’s fastest-growing start-up ecosystem by StartupBlink, overtaking Kuala Lumpur for the first time. State leaders say the next phase will focus on helping early-stage ventures turn ideas into viable businesses, alongside expanding digital public services such as the Penang Island City Council’s PEARL app for unified digital access.
Industry players are also deepening Penang’s role in AI-enabled design and advanced manufacturing. Intel Malaysia said AI is now embedded across its operations, supporting predictive maintenance, higher yields and faster test cycles, delivering multi-million-dollar savings through reduced downtime and real-time analytics. At the same time, home-grown chip design firms such as GreatAsic Technology and Oppstar are moving Malaysia up the semiconductor value chain into system-on-chip and AI-focused design. Guided by the state’s Digital Economy Master Plan 2025–2030, officials say Penang is positioning itself as a regional hub for AI and semiconductors, though challenges remain in scaling start-ups, funding deep-tech development and building globally competitive talent pipelines.
https://theedgemalaysia.com/node/791948
編按：檳城正加速推進成為馬來西亞人工智慧領域的前導州，目前已擁有超過250家新創企業，並推行廣泛的技能提升計劃，人工智慧技術的運用也已遍及公共服務和製造業領域。在英特爾和本地晶片設計公司的支持下，檳城的目標是成為人工智慧和半導體領域的區域中心，但目前在擴大企業營運規模、為深度科技提供資金以及構建全球人才儲備方面仍面臨諸多挑戰。
Malaysia Powering ASEAN’s Next Phase of Digital and AI Growth
馬來西亞推動東協下一階段數位化與人工智慧成長
Malaysia is emerging as a strategic digital hub for Southeast Asia through significant investments in connectivity, data centres, and AI-ready infrastructure led by Telekom Malaysia and its international arm TM Global. The expansion includes extensive fibre networks, 5G backhaul, and submarine cable systems spanning over 275,000 km, alongside new hyperconnected data centres and cable landing stations. A major AI-ready data centre campus planned in Johor — scalable up to 200MW — is intended to support rising regional demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and industrial IoT, reinforcing the country’s position within the broader ASEAN digital economy.
These developments create strong advantages for foreign companies seeking regional expansion, as Malaysia offers secure, scalable, and low-latency infrastructure for deploying AI and digital services across multiple markets. Solutions such as GPU-as-a-Service hosted in sovereign data centres reduce capital barriers for AI adoption, while robust cybersecurity standards and international connectivity enable global enterprises to operate with confidence. Overall, Malaysia’s digital ecosystem strengthens ASEAN integration and provides international firms with an attractive base for innovation, data processing, and cross-border operations.
https://www.thestar.com.my/starpicks/2026/01/31/powering-aseans-digital-growth
編按：馬來西亞正大力投資光纖、5G回傳網路、海底光纜和人工智慧資料中心，試圖成為東協下一個數位中心，其中包括在柔佛州建設的200兆瓦資料中心園區。透過提供安全、可擴展的基礎設施、GPU即服務以及強大的網路安全保障，為人工智慧和數位營運提供強力的支持，從而加強區域整合並吸引全球企業。