Leveraging Supply Chain Opportunities in Thailand’s Electronics and Manufacturing Industries

Abstract

Abstract

This article examines supply chain opportunities in Thailand’s electronics and manufacturing industries under the context of structural volatility in the global economy, particularly in the post–COVID-19 era. Key drivers of this volatility include the reconfiguration of global supply chains, geopolitical tensions, and the transition toward digital technologies and Industry 4.0. The study adopts an integrated analytical framework combining Global Value Chains (GVCs), supply chain resilience, and industrial policy perspectives to assess both the constraints and strategic potential of Thailand within the global production system.The analysis shows that electronics and manufacturing constitute core pillars of Thailand’s economy, playing a critical role in exports, employment, and regional and global production networks. Nevertheless, Thailand’s position in global supply chains remains largely concentrated in low- to medium–value-added activities such as manufacturing and assembly, with a high degree of dependence on multinational corporations. Structural challenges—including limited advanced technological capabilities, skills gaps in the workforce, and reliance on external technology transfer—continue to hinder the country’s ability to upgrade its role in global value chains. At the same time, ongoing supply chain reconfigurations and multinational firms’ diversification strategies present strategic opportunities for Thailand to reposition itself within global production networks. This article argues that moving beyond the role of a production base toward a more strategic position requires proactive industrial policies, long-term investment in human capital, the development of innovation ecosystems, and stronger supply chain governance. Overall, the article proposes a perspective that views global supply chains not merely as sources of risk but as strategic spaces through which Thailand can pursue sustainable industrial and economic development in the long run.