BANGKOK, July 20 – Thailand is set to strengthen its position as Southeast Asia’s manufacturing hub with the Intelligent Manufacturing Expo Southeast Asia (IME 2026), taking place from July 22 to 24 at the IMPACT Exhibition and Convention Center in Bangkok.
Held under Thailand’s “Thailand 4.0” strategy and Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) Economy Model, the expo aims to accelerate the region’s transition towards digital, intelligent and sustainable manufacturing while fostering stronger industrial collaboration across ASEAN.
Jointly organised by the Trade Development Bureau of China’s Ministry of Commerce, DEXPO Shanghai Industry & Commerce Exhibition Co., Ltd., and Hannover Milano Fairs Shanghai Ltd., IME 2026 marks the first overseas exhibition independently organised by the team behind the China International Industry Fair (CIIF).
Spanning 5,000 square metres, the exhibition will feature nearly 150 exhibitors showcasing the latest innovations in industrial automation, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, intelligent control systems, CNC machine tools, smart production lines, advanced manufacturing equipment and industrial digitalisation solutions.
The event comes as Chinese manufacturers increasingly view Thailand as a strategic gateway to the ASEAN market, while Thai industries continue to invest in automation, industrial internet technologies and green manufacturing to enhance productivity, improve energy efficiency and remain globally competitive.
In addition to the exhibition, IME 2026 will host 10 specialised forums and business-matching sessions, providing opportunities for Chinese and Thai companies to build partnerships, exchange expertise and explore new commercial ventures.
Several exhibitors will showcase technologies already delivering measurable results across the region. Han’s Laser has introduced Thailand’s first 40kW bevel laser-cutting system in Chonburi, improving manufacturing efficiency and reducing production costs. DENAIR has deployed energy-efficient oil-free air compressor systems at a pharmaceutical facility in Bangkok, cutting energy consumption by around 20 per cent. Meanwhile, HSG Laser has expanded its presence in Vietnam, supplying 17 laser machines to automotive manufacturer THACO.
Among the new technologies on display, Bodor Laser will present its A Series sheet laser-cutting machines, HSG Laser will unveil its R2 laser tube-cutting system, while Shenzhen Inovance Technology will introduce its MD630 Series AC drive, designed to support intelligent factory automation and digital production upgrades.
To maximise business engagement, organisers have launched regional marketing campaigns across Facebook, Google and LINE, while also conducting direct outreach in major industrial zones including WHA Industrial Estates, Rojana Industrial Park and the Thai-Chinese Rayong Industrial Zone.
Supported by leading industrial organisations from Thailand and China, IME 2026 is expected to serve as a key platform connecting advanced manufacturing technologies with ASEAN’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, reinforcing Thailand’s role as a regional hub for smart manufacturing and innovation.
— MINUTESMY
