BYD Thailand celebrated the second anniversary of its local factory’s commencement of production on July 12, 2026 in Bangkok. Credit: BYD
- BYD launched the Sealion 5 DM-i in Thailand, expanding its plug-in hybrid lineup in Southeast Asia.
- BYD’s Thailand plant has localized production of the BYD Dolphin, BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal 5 DM-i, BYD Sealion 5 DM-i and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.
BYD (HKEX: 1211) has surpassed 130,000 cumulative deliveries in Thailand, as its local plant marks the second anniversary of production, showing the Chinese new energy vehicle (NEV) maker is continuing to deepen its localized presence in Southeast Asia.
BYD’s Thailand unit celebrated the milestone in Bangkok on Sunday and officially launched the BYD Sealion 5 DM-i hybrid SUV (sport utility vehicle) in Thailand, the latest step in the company’s expansion of its DM-i lineup in the country.
BYD delivered its 130,000th NEV in the Thai market at the event, with the vehicle being a BYD Sealion 5 DM-i, according to a statement on Monday.
The BYD Sealion 5 DM-i is powered by BYD’s DM-i super hybrid technology and emphasizes low fuel consumption, long range and strong performance, as the company seeks to attract more Thai consumers to NEVs.
BYD Sealion 5 DM-i hybrid SUV for Thailand. Credit: BYD
BYD’s Thailand plant, located at WHA Industrial Estate in Rayong province, is the company’s first overseas passenger vehicle production base. The plant has a designed annual capacity of 150,000 vehicles and began production in July 2024.
The plant has localized production of the BYD Dolphin, BYD Atto 3, BYD Seal 5 DM-i, BYD Sealion 5 DM-i and BYD Sealion 6 DM-i.
All of these models have received Made in Thailand (MiT) certification from the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI). BYD said this reflects the continued increase in the localization of its manufacturing and supply chain system in Thailand.
Over the past 2 years, BYD’s Rayong plant has created more than 5,000 jobs. Thai employees account for about 93% of the workforce, while the local parts procurement ratio has reached 50 percent, according to the company.
Ke Yubin, general manager of BYD’s Thailand unit, said the company will continue to improve its manufacturing system and supply chain coordination, while cultivating local talent.
BYD hopes these efforts will help promote Thailand as an ASEAN NEV hub, he said.
Thailand has become one of BYD’s most important markets in the Asia-Pacific region. The company entered Thailand in 2022, initially selling vehicles in the country through imports.
On July 4, 2024, BYD’s Thailand plant began production and saw the company’s 8 millionth NEV roll off the production line. That vehicle was a BYD Dolphin.
In July 2025, BYD said its deliveries in Thailand had reached 90,000 vehicles. By October 2025, Thailand had become its first market in the Asia-Pacific region with deliveries exceeding 100,000 vehicles.
The Thailand plant is also taking on an export role. In August 2025, the plant shipped more than 900 BYD Dolphin EVs to Europe for the first time, with destinations including the UK, Germany and Belgium.
By November 2025, the plant had seen its 70,000th vehicle roll off the production line. The milestone vehicle was a Sealion 6 and was delivered to an employee at BYD’s Thailand plant.
BYD’s 17 millionth NEV comes just 82 days after its 16 millionth rolled off the line.
