Seen In Thailand - Shows, Classics, Imports And Streets

First up, a look back to 2013 - almost an entire decade! Bangkok Motor Show which saw the launch of the BMW i8 and many more interesting concepts and also Thai customization displays. Showcasing Thailand's incredible automotive parts and after market - one which is just as strong today as it was then. If anything this post shows that as far as the auto market is concerned, Thailand has showed consistent growth in the automotive and parts manufacturing industry for a very long time.

To many these pictures might look as if they could have been yesterday! However, the absence of face masks is clearly a tell-tale sign.

Subaru Viziv concept 2013

The full model range was on show, here the 3 series convertible.

Launch of the BMW i8

This was what we came for way back then. The BMW i8 was new and revolutionary. The first hybrid supercar with carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) construction. The body is made entirely from thermoplastics which weigh in at less than half that of conventional steel panels.

BMW i8 launch at the Bangkok Motor Show

Catwalk models and lots of glitz and glam at the BMW show stand

Keeping the fingerprints off

McLaren

McLaren cars (UK) had recently setup import showrooms for those elite who would be able to absorb the import taxes. Nonetheless, seeing them at a show was enough to satisfy ones fantasies ahwile ...

Importing cars to Thailand 2022

Back on the streets, some more humble and relatively affordable machinery. You still might pay 2 or 3 times as much for them in Thailand than in the UK or US, so for a reference take the value of the cars below and multiply by 2.5 for an approximate cost to purchase in Thailand.

Values are however increasing due to a recent total ban on second hand imports for road use. It is now only possible to bring cars less than a few years old into the Kingdom. You still must pay the insane luxury taxes which can reach up to 200%

A lovely restored Alfa Romeo Guilietta waits for a loving new owner

Kei car pickup

Much smaller and more affordable Japanese imports: These are known as Kei cars (city cars) in Japan, and must all fit within a certain dimension and power capacity with engines not exceeding 660 cc.

Kei car category pick up truck

Abandoned?

This old American car was parked up in a large condo complex, and hadn't been washed in years. Maybe it's even still there.

Thick dust festoons this old American 'tank'

Noodle stop, some nighttime street photography.

Thai street vendor, Bangkok c2008

BMW M5 - Mall showroom in Bangkok

When I saw it there, I had to take a look. They allowed me full access to create these photographs of the e60 BMW M5, when it was brand new and just launched in Thailand.

E60 M5 when it had just been launched

The formidable BMW V10

BMW M5 (e60) cockpit

Peugeot 205 CTi

Based on the formidable 205 GTi, this convertible would have been an import. I'm yet to spot any actual genuine 205GTi in Thailand. They seem to be one of the rarest cars here.

Of course, the already small boot is filled with boomboxes ...

You don't see one of these very often in Thailand. Shame it's an auto!

Lancia?

I'm struggling to identify this ... can you?

Thanks for reading

More coming up in part 3 as I finish the editing, researching, and writing. There's also been some time going into the website and now aiming to keep up with updates and publications 2 or 3 times per week.

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