Thailand's automotive market grew 10.6% in May with 57,765 vehicles sold, driven by strong demand for passenger cars and SUVs while pickup trucks remained flat. Electric vehicles surged over 130% in the month, signaling a shift toward green
Thailand's automotive market in May 2026 recorded total domestic sales of 57,765 vehicles, a 10.60% increase compared to the same period last year. Passenger cars and SUVs generated 40,907 sales, up 15.04% year-on-year, while pickup trucks sold 11,171 units with minimal growth of 0.21%. Electric pickup trucks (BEV) saw significant expansion with 201 units sold, up 133.72%, and multipurpose vehicles (PPV) reached 3,164 units, up 2.10%.
Over the first five months of 2026, cumulative market sales reached 288,242 vehicles, growing 14.10% year-on-year. Passenger cars and SUVs led with 197,935 units (up 21.62%), while traditional pickups declined 5.13% to 59,265 units. Electric pickups surged 168.34% to 695 units, and PPVs grew 16.56% to 17,910 units.
Toyota maintained market dominance with five-month sales of 99,130 vehicles (34.39% share), growing 4.59% year-on-year. The Pure Pick Up segment, anchored by Hilux, Revo, and Champ, led with 31,521 units (up 7.60%), while the Eco Segment of Yaris models achieved 29,918 sales (up 26.13%). In May alone, Toyota sold 19,950 vehicles, up 3.90%, driven by Pure Pick Up vehicles at 6,327 units (up 13.98%) and PPVs at 1,577 units (up 21.21%).
Supon Rattanavarahaa, Senior Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Thailand, noted that June's market is expected to improve slightly due to seasonal patterns and lower oil prices, though consumer confidence may remain cautious amid Middle East tensions. Toyota's Pure Pick Up segment is anticipated to slow, but the Toyota Hilux is expected to maintain leadership with average monthly sales around 6,300 units year-to-date. The Eco Segment shows clear recovery signals, with Yaris ATIV averaging 6,000 units monthly from January to May. Passenger cars and SUVs demonstrate similar recovery trends.