BANGKOK: Thailand is ambitiously aiming to become the world’s fourth-largest producer of electronic circuits, seeking to increase its market share in this vital industry. President of the Thai Printed Circuit Association (THPCA), Pithan Ongkosit, highlighted the establishment of a national Electronics Circuit Centre to meet the growing demand for skilled labor. This goal will require robust support and collaboration from both the public and private sectors.
Thailand currently holds a 4% market share in electronic circuits. The global printed circuit board (PCB) market is projected to reach 3 trillion baht (US$86.17 billion) by 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 3.3%. High-density interconnect (HDI) PCBs, known for their compact size, high efficiency, and lightweight design, are expected to grow at a rate of 11.1%. Flexible PCBs, essential for wearable technology and smart devices, are also in high demand, with the market expected to reach 530 billion baht (US$15.29 billion) by 2026.
To bolster the industry, the THPCA is partnering with the Thai Microelectronics Centre (TMEC) to establish the Thailand Electronics Circuit Centre (TECC). This center will focus on research and development, strengthening the local supply chain, producing PCB prototypes, and continuously developing personnel and electronic products in the country. These efforts are aimed at promoting growth and sustainability in Thailand’s electronics industry.
The Board of Investment (BOI) reported that Thailand’s electrical appliances and electronics industry is crucial to the country’s economy, ranking first among export goods and accounting for a quarter of total exports. Over the last three years, investment promotion applications in this sector have totaled 535 billion baht. In 2023 alone, the sector saw an investment of 334.8 billion baht, a 2.5-fold increase from 2022, making up nearly 40% of total investment promotion applications.
This growth trend is expected to continue in 2024. In the first five months, BOI received 27 investment promotion applications for PCB and PCBA, totaling 36.044 billion baht, primarily from leading companies in China, Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong.
To further enhance Thailand’s position as a global electronics hub, THPCA, HKPCA, and BOI are organizing the Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia (THECA) trade exhibition. This event aims to showcase Thailand’s potential and progress in electronics circuit manufacturing and serve as a platform for job seekers to connect with businesses and industry experts from Asia, Europe, and North America. Scheduled for July 24-26 at the Bitec Exhibition and Conference Centre in Bangkok, the event will feature innovative displays from 200 leading companies and over 20 international seminars, attracting more than 3,000 attendees globally.
