In 2024, Thailand solidified its status as the world’s third-largest exporter of air conditioners, manufacturing 19 million units and ranking just behind China and Mexico.
Key takeaways
- Thailand became the world’s third-largest air conditioner exporter in 2024, producing 19 million units and generating over US$7 billion in revenue.
- Strong government incentives and strategic investment by global players like Daikin, Mitsubishi, and Haier have positioned Thailand as a key HVAC manufacturing hub.
- With growing domestic demand and a forecasted 8.5% industry CAGR through 2030, Thailand is poised to lead the next wave of smart, energy-efficient cooling solutions.
Export revenues surged to US$7.044 billion, marking a 9% year-on-year increase. The United States remained the top destination, accounting for 35% of Thai AC exports, followed by Europe (25%), ASEAN markets (20%), Australia (10%), and Japan (10%).
The product mix was led by split systems, which comprised 65% of exports, while window units and VRF systems represented 25% and 10%, respectively.
Thailand’s manufacturing volume has shown steady growth, rising from 18 million units in 2020 to 21 million in 2023, a testament to the country’s expanding industrial capacity and resilience.
Behind the numbers is a coordinated ecosystem of multinational manufacturers and targeted government incentives.
Key players such as Daikin, Mitsubishi Electric, LG, Haier, and Midea have entrenched operations in Thailand, particularly within the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), where provinces like Rayong, Chonburi, and Chachoengsao host high-density industrial zones and a skilled workforce. Daikin leads local production, while Mitsubishi Electric dominates residential and commercial segments.
Thailand’s HVAC industry is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 8.5% through 2030, underpinned by rising global demand for energy-efficient and smart systems.
To sustain momentum, the Thai Board of Investment (BOI) offers compelling incentives: up to 15 years of corporate tax exemptions, duty-free importation of machinery, and R&D-related benefits.
The result is a manufacturing hub where 70–80% of components are locally sourced, with only high-tech parts imported.
Domestically, Thailand’s air conditioner market remains robust. In Q2 2024 alone, 1.75 million units were sold.
Valued at over THB30 billion, the local market is segmented into residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, each showing steady growth driven by urbanization and rising consumer demand for smart, energy-efficient solutions.
Chinese brands such as Haier, Midea, and Xiaomi are intensifying competition. Haier reported a 22% sales increase in 2024 and is investing 13.5 billion baht in a new smart factory.
Midea is scaling up a major facility in Chonburi, while Xiaomi is gaining traction in the consumer segment through AI-enabled, value-driven models.
Despite challenges, from labor shortages to regional competition, Thailand’s dual role as an export powerhouse and growing consumer market cements its strategic position in the global HVAC supply chain.
With strong policy support, tech-driven innovation, and a dynamic domestic base, Thailand isn’t just making air conditioners, it’s defining the future of cooling.
Thailand is a significant hub for air conditioner manufacturing, driven by both local and international companies leveraging the country’s strategic location, skilled workforce, and robust manufacturing ecosystem. Below is an overview of the main players in Thailand’s air conditioner manufacturing sector, based on available information:
Major Players in Thailand’s Air Conditioner Manufacturing
Haier
Overview: A leading Chinese appliance manufacturer, Haier is significantly expanding its presence in Thailand. In 2024, Haier announced a USD 400 million investment (over 10 billion THB) to build a smart air conditioner factory in Chonburi’s WHA Eastern Seaboard Industrial Estate 3.
Capacity: The plant, set to be completed by 2027, will produce 6 million units annually, with 85% designated for export, making it Haier’s largest overseas air conditioning manufacturing base and the largest Chinese-brand AC production facility in Southeast Asia.
Market Impact: Haier holds a 13% market share in Thailand’s offline air conditioner sales, with 2024 sales reaching 11 billion THB, a 22% increase from the previous year.
Midea
Overview: Another major Chinese brand, Midea has established a strong manufacturing footprint in Thailand.
Capacity: Operates a 200,000-square-meter factory in Chonburi with a planned annual capacity of 4 million air conditioner units.
Market Impact: Midea is capitalizing on Thailand’s growing demand for smart and energy-efficient air conditioners, contributing to the country’s role as a global HVAC supply chain hub.
Daikin
Overview: A Japanese multinational, Daikin is a prominent player in Thailand through subsidiaries like Siam Daikin Sales Co., Ltd. and Daikin Industries (Thailand) Ltd.
Products: Manufactures a wide range of air conditioners, including room, VRV systems, sky air series, and conduction-type units, as well as chillers and refrigerants.
Market Impact: Daikin is a leading brand in Thailand, known for its high-quality, energy-efficient systems, and has a strong export focus.
Carrier
Overview: An American company and global leader in HVAC solutions, Carrier has a significant presence in Thailand through Carrier Thailand.
Products: Produces air conditioning, heating, and refrigeration equipment for residential, commercial, and transportation applications.
Market Impact: Carrier is recognized as the world’s largest air conditioning manufacturer, with a strong reputation for sustainable and innovative HVAC solutions in Thailand’s commercial and residential markets.
Saijo Denki
Overview: A major Thai-based manufacturer, Saijo Denki claims to be the largest air conditioner manufacturer in Thailand with over 20 years of experience.
Market Share: Holds the second-largest market share in Thailand among international and local brands, with exports to over 30 countries.
Products: Produces a variety of air conditioners for residential and commercial use, emphasizing reliability and client trust.
Uni-Aire Corporation
Overview: A Thai company established in 1972, Uni-Aire specializes in heat exchangers (D.X. and water systems) and air conditioners.
Products: Manufactures split-type air conditioners (floor/ceiling, wall-mounted) and supplies components to global markets.
Market Impact: Exports its “Uni-Aire” brand globally, with a strong presence in both domestic and international markets for over three decades.
Amena Air (Unico Consumer Products Co., Ltd.)
Overview: A leading Thai air conditioning brand for over 30 years, Amena manufactures diverse air conditioner types for local and export markets.
Products: Offers a range of air conditioning units, focusing on reliability and affordability.
Market Impact: Well-established in Thailand with a growing export presence.
Eminent Air (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
Overview: One of Thailand’s largest air conditioner and component manufacturers, with a global reach across six continents.
Products: Produces a wide range of air conditioning units and parts, emphasizing quality and innovation.
Market Impact: A key player in both domestic and international markets, known for its extensive distribution network.
Thai Compressor Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (THACOM)
Overview: A joint venture with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), THACOM is Thailand’s first manufacturer of rotary compressors for air conditioners.
Products: Specializes in high-efficiency rotary compressors, manufactured under MHI’s advanced technology and stringent quality control.
Market Impact: Supplies compressors to air conditioner manufacturers globally, with a focus on quality and reliability.
CNE Industry Group Co., Ltd.
Overview: Established in 1989, CNE is a Thai manufacturer and exporter of air conditioners under brands like “SUPREME,” “GREEEN,” “MITSUI,” “COSMO DEMI,” and OEM products.
Products: Offers high-quality air conditioners at competitive prices, catering to both domestic and international markets.
Market Impact: A significant local player with a strong export focus, particularly in the USA, South Central America, Asia, and the Middle East.
STAR (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (STAR Holding Group)
Overview: Operates through subsidiaries like P.P.J. Engineering Co., Ltd. and P.P.C. Intercooling Co., Ltd., with over 30 years of experience in air conditioner manufacturing.
Products: Produces a variety of air conditioners (universal, wall-mounted, cassette, window, floor-standing) with cool/heat, chill-water, and multi-system capabilities.
Market Impact: Known for high-quality production and a 60% export volume, STAR is a leading Thai manufacturer with a strong international presence.
THACO Air Conditioner Manufacturing Company
Overview: Established in 2017 with technology from Korea’s G.A.C Group, THACO focuses on air conditioners and components for automotive applications (buses and trucks).
Capacity: Produces 40,000 air conditioner sets and 120,000 condensers annually, serving over 30 car brands.
Market Impact: Exports to markets like Italy, Poland, Korea, and Portugal, with a niche focus on automotive air conditioning.
Additional Notable Players
- Mitsubishi, Panasonic, LG, Samsung: These international brands have a strong presence in Thailand, primarily through sales and distribution, but some also engage in component manufacturing or assembly via local partnerships.
- Bitwise Studios: Manufactures various air conditioning units, including concealed, floor-ceiling, wall-mounted, and portable units, as well as OEM products and heat exchangers.
- Supreme CNB Corporation Co., Ltd.: Produces wall-type, floor/ceiling, portable, and cassette air conditioners, with a focus on both domestic and export markets.
- C.I. Group: A leading producer of air conditioner coils, adhering to world-class standards.
- Sambo Shindo (Thailand) Co., Ltd.: A subsidiary of Mitsubishi-Shindoh, specializing in copper tube components for air conditioners.
- Furukawa Metal (Thailand) Public Co., Ltd.: Manufactures copper tubes for air conditioners and refrigerators.
- Kindai Engineering Co., Ltd.: Supplies split-type air conditioners and components, with a focus on OEM production.
- Montalak Manufacture: Produces air conditioners and chillers, emphasizing market-driven manufacturing.
Market Context
- Demand: In 2023, Thailand’s air conditioner demand reached approximately 1.6 million units, reflecting steady growth.
- Export Focus: Thailand serves as a global manufacturing hub, with companies like Haier and Midea exporting a significant portion of their production to Southeast Asia and beyond.
- Trends: The market is shifting toward smart, energy-efficient, and inverter-technology air conditioners, driven by consumer preferences and global sustainability trends.
- Competitive Landscape: The industry features a mix of international giants (Haier, Midea, Daikin, Carrier) and strong local players (Saijo Denki, Uni-Aire, Eminent Air), with Chinese brands increasingly dominating due to investments in smart manufacturing.
As the demand for energy-efficient solutions rises, Thailand’s HVAC industry is poised to innovate and expand. The country’s commitment to sustainability and technological advancement plays a crucial role in attracting international investments and partnerships. Furthermore, the Thai government’s supportive policies and infrastructure development initiatives enhance the sector’s growth prospects. By leveraging its skilled workforce and strategic location, Thailand is well-positioned to meet the increasing global demand for advanced HVAC systems, thereby reinforcing its status as a key player in the industry.
