Thailand's automotive industry generates ~10% of GDP but faces critical challenges in maintaining value creation amid EV transition and Chinese competition. Experts propose tiered tax mechanisms on imports vs. domestic production, mandatory local content in mid-tier components, and supply-chain strengthening to prevent Thailand from becoming a mere assembly pass-through. Success depends on balancing FDI incentives with indigenous SME development and tackling China's cost advantage (30M+ annual EV units vs. global 90M).