Thailand’s solar panel imports have witnessed a remarkable increase, surging by 88.7% to reach $426.7 million in the first seven months of 2026, with China being the dominant supplier, according to data from Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and Customs Department. Chinese imports accounted for an overwhelming 99.3% of this total, amounting to $423.9 million, marking a substantial 107.1% rise from the previous year.
The sharp escalation in imports aligns with Thailand’s strategic push towards expanding solar energy infrastructure. The government is rolling out a household solar installation initiative aimed at subsidizing approximately THB50,000 per household. Initially targeting one million households, the program has the potential to expand to 1.5 million, reflecting the nation’s commitment to clean energy solutions.
In addition to increasing solar energy adoption, Thailand is exploring avenues to bolster its domestic solar manufacturing capabilities. This includes collaborations with the Ministry of Labour to train workers in the assembly, installation, and maintenance of solar panels. Discussions with the Board of Investment are also underway to potentially reduce duties on production inputs that are not available within the country, thus fostering a local clean-energy supply chain.
The move to enhance solar infrastructure is part of Thailand’s broader objective to encourage both rooftop and ground-mounted solar installations. By doing so, the government aims to reduce household electricity expenses and strengthen its domestic clean energy sector, paving the way for a sustainable energy future.
While China remains the primary provider of solar panels, other suppliers such as Singapore and Hong Kong contribute minimally, each holding around 0.3% of Thailand’s total import value. This underscores China’s pivotal role in Thailand’s solar energy market, especially in light of the country’s escalated import demands.