BoI/THECA

Chatrudee Theparat

Thailand hosts “Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2024 (THECA)” highlighting Thailand's potential as ASEAN's top PCB manufacturing base: hosting the World Electronics Circuit Conference in 2027.

Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2024 (THECA), electronics circuits and services showcase event, has scheduled from July 24th to 26th at Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Bangkok.

The event is supported by Thailand Board of Investment (BoI), Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA), and Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA).

The trade show highlights Thailand's three major successes including being ASEAN's top electronics circuit manufacturing base, the ASEAN’s MICE center, and the host of the 17thGlobal Electronic Circuits Conference in 2027.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi, BoI secretary general, said that the success of THECA 2024 reflects Thailand's potential and readiness as the 1st ranked ASEAN’s printed circuit boards (PCB) manufacturing base and the top 5 ranking globally. In addition, hosting the THECA 2024 highlights Thailand's advancement in developing the PCB industry, a crucial electronics component that can drive advancements in other targeted industries such as electric vehicles, smart electronics and appliances, computers, medical devices, telecommunications equipment, automated systems and robotics.

Narit Therdsteerasukdi

Since 2023, investment in Thailand’s PCB industry has increased exponentially. Especially from January 2023 to June 2024, investment promotion applications in the PCB industry are worth a combined over 140 billion baht compared to 2021-2022, which an average investment promotion applications value is around 15 billion baht per year. The majority of these investment come from leading companies based in China, Taiwan, Japan, and Hong Kong.

“In the past year, there has been a rapid influx of investments by leading PCB manufacturers, prompting Thailand to be ready as these factories are nearly completed their construction and start a production process within the next 1-2 years, the BoI will prioritize preparing two critical factors for production: personnel and supply chain.” Mr Narti said.

BoI has collaborated with the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and the private sector to recruit high-skilled workforce for PCB manufacturers through Job Matching activities and Upskill & Reskill Programs in partnership with various companies.

For the supply chain readiness, BoI revised the investment promotion measures, by expanding the promotion scope for PCB industry to cover the entire supply chain from PCB manufacturing to PCBA, raw materials, components, and related services.

Additionally, the BoI also organized networking activities and created business opportunities for Thai manufacturers in components and raw materials supply to PCB producers such as Sourcing Day, SUBCON Thailand, and the THECA 2024 aimed at fostering sustainable growth for the Thailand’s PCB industry and elevating Thailand to be globally leading electronics manufacturing hub.

Dr Duangdej Yuaikwarmdee, director of Exhibitions Department at the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization) (TCEB), said Thailand’s central location in ASEAN enables efficient trade and travel connections. With modern infrastructure like international airports, deep-sea ports, comprehensive transport systems, and
a robust digital network, Thailand is the ideal place for MICE events and business operations in ASEAN.

Pithan Ongkosit, president of Thailand Printed Circuit Association, said that despite being the first THECA event, it has received an excellent response from leading international businesses, with 200 exhibitors from all continents and 3,000 pre-registered attendees from both local and international businesses. Furthermore, the World Electronic Circuits Council has announced that Thailand will host the 17th World Electronic Circuits Convention in 2027, highlighting Thailand's capability and readiness to be a leader in ASEAN's electronics industry.

THECA 2024 is expected to generate up to 20 billion baht in trade value through key activities such as business matchmaking, networking events, and international conferences and seminars. Additionally, it will create over 80,000 jobs in the electronics industry, which will be in high demand over the next two years.

Canice Chung, president of the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association, added that the association has partnered with the Thailand Printed Circuit Association to host international conferences and seminars on key topics, including printed circuit technology development, integrating the automotive industry with electric vehicles, AI in printed circuit production, and environmental sustainability. Experts from BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Dr Hayao Nakahara will participate, along with over 30 other engaging topics throughout the three-day event.

"Thailand is ready to become a global hub for electronics manufacturing and innovation, aiming to secure the fourth-largest market share in the world within the next five years, ensuring strong and sustainable competition in the global market," said Mr Pithan.