Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) and the Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen international collaboration across the global electronics manufacturing industry. The agreement was officially signed during Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2026 (THECA 2026), Thailand’s premier exhibition and conference for PCB and advanced electronics, held in Bangkok.
The partnership reflects Thailand’s rapidly expanding role in the global electronics supply chain. As ASEAN’s leading PCB manufacturing hub, Thailand continues to strengthen its position as a key production base for advanced electronics, supported by significant investments in semiconductor technologies, advanced packaging, electronics manufacturing services (EMS), and next-generation manufacturing. The country’s advanced electronics industry is projected to generate between US$48 billion and US$52 billion in production value in 2026.
Through this strategic partnership, SMTA and THPCA will leverage their respective strengths to promote industry growth, technical excellence, and international collaboration. The two organizations will work together to facilitate knowledge exchange through conferences, exhibitions, technical seminars, educational programs, publications, and other professional development initiatives. The partnership will also create new opportunities for networking, business development, and collaboration among members of both organizations.
One of the partnership’s key priorities is developing the skilled workforce needed to support the industry’s continued expansion. Thailand’s PCB workforce is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.4%, reaching approximately 74,200 professionals by 2030. To help address this growing demand, SMTA and THPCA will collaborate on workforce development initiatives, including student engagement, technical education, professional training, and knowledge-sharing programs that strengthen the industry’s future talent pipeline.
As part of the agreement, THPCA welcomed SMTA as an Association Partner of THECA 2026. Through this role, SMTA contributes technical presentations, networking activities, and engagement with its global community of members, sponsors, exhibitors, and industry experts. More than an exhibition, THECA 2026 serves as a collaborative platform where manufacturers, technology providers, researchers, investors, academia, and government organizations come together to address industry challenges, strengthen supply chain resilience, and accelerate innovation across the electronics ecosystem.
“This partnership reflects our shared vision of building a stronger and more connected global electronics ecosystem,” said Phutana Daoruang, General Manager of THPCA. “THECA has evolved beyond a conventional trade exhibition into an international platform where technology, talent, investment, and collaboration converge. By partnering with SMTA, we are expanding opportunities for knowledge exchange, workforce development, and business collaboration that will benefit not only Thailand, but the broader global electronics industry.”
About SMTA
Surface Mount Technology Association (SMTA) is an international network of professionals dedicated to advancing the electronics manufacturing industry through education, technical exchange, and professional collaboration. The association supports skill development, shares practical industry experience, and promotes innovative solutions across the full electronics manufacturing value chain, from component manufacturing and printed circuit board assembly to system-level integration, microsystems, emerging technologies, and related business operations. Through conferences, technical training, publications, local chapters, and international networking, SMTA helps connect professionals and organizations worldwide to drive innovation and manufacturing excellence.
About THPCA
The Thailand Printed Circuit Association (THPCA) is the leading industry association representing Thailand’s printed circuit board sector. The association works closely with industry, academia, and government agencies to strengthen Thailand’s electronics manufacturing ecosystem through investment promotion, technology development, workforce initiatives, international partnerships, and supply chain collaboration. THPCA is also the organizer of Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia (THECA), one of Asia’s fastest-growing international exhibitions and conferences for PCB and advanced electronics.
Through this partnership, SMTA and THPCA reaffirm their shared commitment to advancing innovation, strengthening international collaboration, developing future industry talent, and supporting a more resilient and sustainable global electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
Event Information
Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2026 (THECA 2026)
Date: 26–28 August 2026
Venue: Hall EH 98–99, Bangkok International Trade & Exhibition Centre: BITEC, Bangkok, Thailand
Opening Hours: 10:00–18:00 hrs.
Pre-registration: Free of charge
On-site Registration: THB 500
Register Now:
https://thecaregistrations.com/Registration/ChooseTypeRegis.aspx?codeInv=THECA2
Official Website:
https://thailandelectronicscircuitasia.com/