Auto industry looks to autonomous vehicles

Though they remain a future goal, public and private sector leaders are embracing the technology, writes Lamonphet Apisitniran

- Lamonphet Apisitniran

Thailand's electric vehicle (EV) industry is no longer driving solo as the surge in battery-powered autonomous vehicles, or AVs, is quietly emerging as the next frontier, promising to reshape mobility, logistics and urban life.

Industry leaders see the convergence of self-driving systems with electric propulsion as inevitable. They argue the pairing will not only advance environmental goals, but also deliver efficiency and long-range performance.

"Autonomous technology will transform the driving experience for everyone," said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman for its Automotive Industry Club.

"Global carmakers are building a future where vehicles give people back their time and make driving safer, easier and more enjoyable."

Advocates say AVs could dramatically reduce accidents, emissions and congestion, while supporting logistics in ageing societies facing labour shortages.

In countries where daily wages are rising and skilled drivers are scarce, autonomous fleets could ease pressure on transport and delivery networks.

For Thailand, the technology represents both a challenge and an opportunity: a chance to leapfrog into the next era of mobility, but only if infrastructure, regulation and public trust can keep pace.

Thailand has already begun laying the groundwork. While EV adoption is accelerating, policymakers are keen to ensure the country does not miss the AV wave.

The government has started developing facilities to serve the technology, though industry leaders caution that integration of AV with EV systems will take time.