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The Thailand Printed Circuit Association hosted its third annual trade show in the bustling city of Bangkok this past week, under the theme “Innovating PCB and Advanced Electronics with Next-Gen Packaging.” Building on its success as a leading PCB industry exhibition, THECA has brought together the entire PCB value chain, creating a comprehensive platform for advanced electronics.
Thailand is a beautiful country with a rich culture and amazing food, and I felt fortunate to experience it firsthand. From our booth, we welcomed visitors from across the world, as THECA was expected to host an impressive 7,000 attendees, more than two dozen conference sessions and speakers, and facilitate a trade value of more than $500 million. Exhibitor space has increased a hundredfold in the past two years, as evidenced by the two halls overflowing with companies representing PCB, EMS, smart manufacturing, AI infrastructure, data centers, future mobility solutions, semiconductor technologies, and advanced packaging.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives from THPCA, HKPCA, and Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), who thanked the organizers and exhibiting companies and expressed enthusiasm and hope for a bright future for Thailand and its electronics manufacturing community. The BOI cited impressive goals by 2030, including achieving a rank in the top 20 countries globally for economic competitiveness.
Opening speakers shared a common message: Thailand’s next challenge goes beyond attracting electronics investment. The country is focused on building the local supply chain, infrastructure and skilled workforce needed to support that growth. THPCA, HKPCA and the BOI also pointed to opportunities to move further up the technology chain into semiconductors, advanced packaging, AI infrastructure and other high-value electronics, while strengthening cooperation across Thailand, China, Hong Kong and the broader Asian electronics ecosystem.
On the first evening, our team attended an MOU signing ceremony and dinner. Workforce is a prime concern for manufacturers and investors in the region, and though education levels and a relatively youthful population bode well for developing a skilled workforce, the massive influx of companies over the past three years has worsened an already tenuous supply-and-demand issue for workers.
The MOU signing ceremony was preceded by a presentation by the Ministry of Health, Education, Science, and Innovation, which launched its “Siam Silica” workforce development initiative in partnership with industry, academia, and the THPCA and HKPCA.
This year, THECA doubled its exhibitor space and pivoted from a focus on PCBs and PCBA to effectively building future electronics systems. Thailand’s first electronics companies were introduced in the 1960s. KCE, the oldest and most established PCB fabricator, was founded in 1982. Over the years, the area has developed a mature assembly ecosystem, and its proximity to China, which will necessitate sourcing from China, is a clear advantage.
Still one of the more affordable Asian countries, Thailand has become a focus of intense interest as geopolitical tensions around China’s monopoly of PCB and PCBA capacity and capability have come to a boil over the past several years. Since 2023, 220 PCB investment applications were received by Thailand’s BOI, worth $9.7 billion.
Looking back on THECA’s first two years, the 2024 event garnered more than 4,500 attendees, 26 conference sessions, and 40 speakers. In 2025, the exhibitors grew by 115% and country representation by 77%, successfully marking deeper industry engagement focused on PCB and PCBA.
It was a great event in a region thrumming with energy, investment, and potential for a bright future, and I look forward to sharing more about THECA in the coming weeks.
Click here to see the day 1 recap video.
