Both Proton and Mazda had a good start to the year in Thailand, thanks to fresh new products that quickly gained favor amongst Thai consumers. Proton's new Exora MPV proved to be a big hit, even over shadowing Honda's much hyped but over priced Freed while Mazda's growth was spearheaded by the new Mazda2. However the hatchback 2 is more popular compared to the sedan version. In the first quarter of 2010, Proton's sales grew a whopping 205.4% compared to the year before while Mazda was even more impressive by growing 521.7% over last year! Rising consumer confidence compared to the bleak 2009 was also another contributing factor as many other brands too made significant gains.
Mazda is now the No.3 selling passenger car brand in Thailand, right behind first placed Toyota and second placed Honda. While Proton is 5th, right behind Nissan but well ahead of the Koreans of Kia and Hyundai and also Europeans of Ford and Chevrolet and even Proton's own technical partner Mitsubishi. I came across a Thai car dealer who owns dealerships for both Mitsubishi and Proton, not sure how common is this but probably the historical ties and sharing of similar parts is a factor in convincing existing Mitsubishi dealers to take on the Proton brand.
In the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show, Proton was also amongst the top 10 highest selling brand, ahead of the French (Peugeot) and Korean (Kia, Hyundai) brands.
Below are some shots of the 31st Bangkok International Motor Show Show which this author managed to squeeze some time for a visit on the opening day (Friday, 26-March). No shots of the Proton booth though. Had only slightly less than 1.5 hours before a next appointment so had to be very selective in the booth to visit.
Mazda's Active2 "concept car."
There is clearly a lot more interest for the Mazda2, judging by the crowd at Mazda's booth. Oddly, not many Thais seem to be interested in the Mazda2's sister car - the Ford Fiesta. They both come from the same plant, have the same mechanical underneath and the Fiesta sedan is in this author's opinion, a more "complete looking sedan."
A good example of Thai politeness. When the beauty queens came out - there was no need for any security control. The Thai visitors did not rush forward but instinctively knew to stand aside and give them a comfortable space without anyone telling them to. No horny guys disguised as "amateur photographers" with their huge DSLRs that looked more like they are compensating for something, something all too common in Malaysia and especially in Singapore. If you get the drift.
Ever seen a CNG-petrol bi-fuel truck? Mitsubishi Triton CNG. The Chevy Colorado is the only other CNG compatible truck on sale in Thailand.
Carryboy is one of Thailand's home grown success story. They have complete retrofit packages for high-end ambulances and even motor homes. Toyota Hiace and Hilux single cab are favourite starting points.
One often overlooked rapidly climbing brand is VW. The brand's passenger cars might not be very popular in Thailand due to high import duties, but the Caravelle is clearly taking quite a bit of sales from the ever popular super long wheel base Toyota Hiace Commuter. My very unscientific observation counted an average of one VW Caravelle for every 5 Toyota Hiace seen on the roads of Bangkok. Less than 6 months ago, again my very unscientific observation noticed that they are only as rare of the odd Mercedes Sprinter vans. Also, a lot of VW Caravelle tourist vans are fitted with satellite TV antenna, like the one below. 
As for the pretty Thai beauties, not much time for those but a lot of pics can be found here.
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