Japan Calls for ‘Level Playing Field’ to Protect Thailand's Automotive Hub in the AI Era

nationthailand.com Jul 16, 2026

Japan Calls for ‘Level Playing Field’ to Protect Thailand’s Automotive Hub in the AI Era

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Jul 16, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Japanese Ambassador Masato Otaka used the opening of the Nikkei Asia Forum APAC 2026 in Bangkok to urge a “level playing field” for the automotive sector, warning that artificial‑intelligence‑driven disruptions threaten Thailand’s role as a regional car‑export hub, especially for pickup trucks. He highlighted the long‑standing Japan‑Thailand manufacturing partnership and stressed that preserving equitable competition is essential for continued growth. Otaka then shifted to energy security, noting that recent South‑China‑Sea tensions have exposed Asia’s vulnerability: Japan imports over 90 % of its oil from the Middle East, while Thailand sources about half of its oil and LNG from the same region. He warned that volatile fuel prices could hit manufacturers, SMEs and households, underscoring the need for coordinated energy frameworks.

💡 Why It Matters

· Without safeguards, AI‑driven shifts could erode Thailand’s automotive export base, jeopardising a key pillar of Japan‑Thailand economic ties.
· Energy volatility compounds the risk, making coordinated stability measures vital for regional manufacturing resilience.

AI Capsules Energy

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