Bangkok, Thailand — SUBCON Thailand, ASEAN's largest industrial sourcing expo, wrapped up its 20th edition on May 16, reporting an estimated USD 705.5 million (approximately 23 billion baht) in parts trade. The four-day event, held May 13–16, drew more than 50,000 participants and facilitated over 9,600 business matching pairs, underscoring the increasing interest of global manufacturers in Southeast Asian suppliers.
Co-organized by the Thailand Board of Investment (BOI), the Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, and Informa Markets Thailand, SUBCON Thailand has become a critical platform for connecting Thai entrepreneurs with international supply chains. The expo's success reflects a broader trend of companies diversifying their sourcing strategies amid significant global industrial shifts.
“SUBCON Thailand is not only the largest trade exhibition in ASEAN. It is a mechanism the BOI uses to connect Thai entrepreneurs to global supply chains, at a moment when massive global industrial restructuring is forcing every country to build a stronger base for its own manufacturers,” said Mr. Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Thailand Board of Investment. “Thai entrepreneurs will be the backbone of Thailand's economy in the years ahead. We will develop SUBCON into a platform that elevates their capabilities and plants Thailand more firmly on the global industrial supply chain map — in AI, semiconductors, modern vehicles, and automation.”
Exhibitors and attendees highlighted the expo's role in facilitating cross-industry sourcing. Companies were able to explore opportunities across electric vehicles, semiconductors, advanced electronics, automation and robotics, medical devices, and aerospace — all within a single venue.
“SUBCON Thailand serves as a key platform where automotive and electronics companies connect and explore business opportunities. Through business matching sessions, good potential has been identified to deepen collaboration with Thai entrepreneurs and enhance local industry partnerships,” said Mr. Paulino Mendoza, Team Lead Global Processing Manager at BMW (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Thai manufacturers also praised the expo for boosting their international visibility. “SUBCON Thailand is where Thai manufacturers prove their quality to the world. Business Matching connected us with buyers and partners we would not have found elsewhere. This is how Thai companies build the confidence to compete internationally,” said Ms. Waranchalee Suwanpimolkul, Assistant Managing Director of S.K. Polymer Co., Ltd.
Many companies within the BOI network left the expo with concrete results, including procurement agreements, follow-up negotiations, and technology partnerships. The Business Matching sessions recorded the highest satisfaction scores of any activity at the show, reflecting the central role that buyer-supplier connectivity plays in the event's appeal.
The outcomes point to growing confidence in Thai manufacturers' ability to meet international quality standards and integrate into global supply chains. As the world undergoes what Mr. Narit calls “the biggest industrial shift in a generation,” Thailand is positioning itself as a key player in sectors such as AI, semiconductors, and modern vehicles.
Looking ahead, the BOI plans to expand SUBCON's scope to target AI, advanced electronics, modern vehicles, and logistics. The organization also intends to broaden Business Matching to reach more industries and foster closer ties between Thai companies and overseas investors.
For more information about the Thailand Board of Investment and its initiatives, visit https://www.boi.go.th.
