Travel writer and closet motoring journalist, Roderick Eime, treks out to the Impact Stadium to see what all the fuss is about at The 46th Bangkok International Motor Show
Remember when we used to go to Darling Harbour in Sydney or “Jeff’s Shed” in Melbourne for the sparkling international motor shows? All the latest models from our local brands, like Ford and Holden, were on show, plus exotic vehicles from Europe and Japan, like Toyota, Alfa Romeo, and Rolls-Royce. Well, those days may be over, but international motor shows are not.
Many of you reading this will know that Thailand has emerged as a major player in automotive manufacturing, both as a producer of whole cars and vital components, hence the prominence of those brands on display..
I’ve just returned from Bangkok, where the 46th annual Bangkok International Motor Show wrapped up at the massive and ultra-modern Impact Arena, Exhibition and Convention Center at Muang Thong Thani, near the Don Mueng Airport.
Of course, motor shows are a far cry from those I remember back home. I might have expected to see one or two unfamiliar brands exhibited among those displays. However, here on the expansive floor of the Challenger halls, among the flashing lights, glamorous models, throbbing beats and massive LED screens, there are more than a dozen marques of which I have absolutely no knowledge.
Predictably, these are Asian badges, mostly Chinese, demonstrating the rising automotive manufacturing power and prowess of the world’s largest continent.
This is my second visit to this show, and I notice some prestigious brands missing from the floor. Where are Ferrari, Citroen and Chevrolet? Ducati, Benelli and KTM are also missing from the motorcycle parade.
Instead, I am educated on such new players as Aion, Denza and Zeekr, who showcase the rising prominence of Electric Vehicles (EVs). Similarly, Strom (from Thailand) and Yadea are EV motorcycles and lightweight scooters making a big splash.
Apart from simply daydreaming about your new car, visitors can actually purchase at the show. Plus, there are a host of interactive activities and games for all the family ranging from model and radio-controlled cars, test drives, various skill tests like e-Racing and the Grand Prix RUNBIKE Championship for junior racers seeking to emulate local hero, Somkiat Chantra, the first ever Thai rider to compete in the world’s F1 of motorcycling, MotoGP.
It’s really all the fun of the fair for the whole family, and if you’re in any way interested in cars and motorcycles and happen to be in Bangkok, it’s a show not to miss.
The next (47th) Bangkok International Motor Show will be the last week in March 2026
To correct my mistake, after a break of 13 years, Melbourne has revived its motor show for 2025 https://melbournemotorshow.au/