Thailand’s transition towards net-zero transport requires more than the rapid adoption of electric vehicles; it also depends on smart policies, integrated planning and strong collaboration across sectors. These were the key messages shared by GIZ Thailand’s Introducing Measures, Pathways and Roadmaps for Optimising Vehicle Efficiency and Electrification (IMPROVE) project during the panel discussion ‘Can Smart Technology Deliver Net Zero Transport?’ on 18 June 2026 at Automotive Summit 2026, organised by the Thailand Automotive Institute (TAI).
The session brought together senior representatives from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the Office of Industrial Economics (OIE), the Excise Department (ED), the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) and GIZ to discuss how policy and technology can jointly accelerate transport decarbonisation while strengthening Thailand’s automotive industry.
Representing GIZ Thailand, Papondhanai Nanthachatchavankul, IMPROVE Project Manager, highlighted that achieving Thailand’s climate goals requires a balanced approach that combines environmental ambition with industrial competitiveness and a just transition for businesses and workers. Drawing on international experience, he noted that successful transport transitions are driven by a combination of complementary policy measures rather than a single solution. He highlighted the first-phase of Thailand’s electric vehicle promotion and subsidy programme (EV 3.0) and the second-phase electric vehicle promotion and subsidy programme (EV 3.5) as internationally recognised examples of effectively combining supply-side and demand-side incentives to accelerate both EV production and market adoption.
Papondhanai (second from right) presenting GIZ’s ongoing transport work and international best practices
Looking ahead, Papondhanai introduced additional policy instruments that could further strengthen Thailand’s transition, including Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards, feebate systems, and Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandates. He also underscored the importance of integrating the transport and energy sectors, where electric vehicles can serve not only as a cleaner mode of transport but also as flexible energy storage assets that enhance grid stability and energy resilience.
The discussion reinforced a shared understanding among all panellists that Thailand’s transition to net zero transport must balance climate ambition with economic resilience. The OTP highlighted integrated transport planning to achieve Thailand’s 2nd Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) targets, while the OIE, ED, BOI and EVAT emphasised the importance of strengthening green supply chains, modernising fiscal policies, promoting innovation and enhancing industrial competitiveness throughout the automotive transition.
As a long-standing development partner, GIZ Thailand works closely with government agencies and industry stakeholders to support evidence-based transport policies and sustainable mobility solutions. Through its transport portfolio, including projects such as IMPROVE and TGC EMC (Thai-German Cooperation on Energy, Mobility and Climate), GIZ supports policy development, analytical studies, knowledge exchange and technical cooperation to accelerate transport decarbonisation and strengthen Thailand’s net-zero mobility ecosystem.
Alongside the panel discussion, the IMPROVE project also participated in the exhibition at Automotive Summit 2026, showcasing its ongoing work in Thailand. The booth featured key initiatives such as Fuel Efficiency (FE) policy development, the Thai FE Data Portal and other evidence-based tools that support transport decarbonisation, providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the project’s contribution to Thailand’s sustainable transport transition.
By bringing together international best practices, technical expertise and policy dialogue, GIZ remains committed to supporting Thailand in building a cleaner and more competitive transport system while contributing to the country’s long-term climate and economic development goals.
Papondhanai Nanthachatchavankul
IMPROVE Project Manager, Thailand
Email:papondhanai.nanthachatchavankul@giz.de
