Travel journalist and secret car expert Roderick Eime heads to Impact Stadium to find out what all the fuss about the 46th Bangkok International Motor Show is about.

Do you remember the glittering international motor shows in Darling Harbour in Sydney or Jeff's Shed in Melbourne? They showcased the latest models from our domestic brands like Ford and Holden, along with exotic vehicles from Europe and Japan such as Toyota, Alfa Romeo, and Rolls-Royce. Those days are gone, but international motor shows still exist.

Many of you reading this will know that Thailand has become a major player in automobile manufacturing, both as a producer of complete cars and of important components, hence the prominence of these brands exhibited here.

I have just returned from Bangkok, where the 46th annual Bangkok International Motor Show came to an end in the huge and state-of-the-art Impact Arena, the exhibition and convention center in Muang Thong Thani, near Don Mueng Airport.

Of course, auto shows these days are completely different from the ones I remember from back home. I might have expected to see one or two unknown brands there. But here, in the vast halls of the Challenger, amidst flashing lights, glamorous models, pulsating music, and enormous LED screens, there are more than a dozen brands I know absolutely nothing about.

As expected, these are Asian, predominantly Chinese, trademarks that demonstrate the growing automotive manufacturing power and expertise of the world's largest continent.

This is my second visit to this trade fair, and I've noticed that some well-known brands are missing. Where are Ferrari, Citroën, and Chevrolet? Ducati, Benelli, and KTM are also absent from the motorcycle parade.

Instead, I'm researching new providers like Aion, Denza, and Zeekr, which underscore the growing importance of electric vehicles (EVs). Strom (from Thailand) and Yadea, a manufacturer of electric motorcycles and light scooters, are also generating a lot of buzz.

Besides simply dreaming about a new car, visitors to the fair can also buy one directly. In addition, there are numerous interactive activities and games for the whole family, from model and remote-controlled cars to test drives and various skill competitions such as e-racing and the Grand Prix RUNBIKE Championship for young racers who want to emulate local hero Somkiat Chantra – the first Thai rider ever to compete in MotoGP, the Formula 1 of motorcycle racing.

It's really great fun for the whole family, and if you have even the slightest interest in cars and motorcycles and happen to be in Bangkok, you definitely shouldn't miss this show.

The next (47th) Bangkok International Motor Show will take place in the last week of March 2026.

Visit the official website for more information.