Isuzu and the Department of Land Transport Join Forces to Find Thailand’s Top Truck Drivers at the “Isuzu Excellent Truck Driving Contest 2026” Final Round with Total Prizes Worth More Than THB 1 Million

Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd., with the official support of the Department of Land Transport, organized the “Isuzu Excellent Truck Driving Contest 2026” Final Round, offering total prizes worth more than THB 1 million, along with prestigious trophies. Now in its 19th year, the legendary competition aims to identify Thailand’s top truck drivers, while cultivating responsible driving role models and promoting sustainable road safety. The Grand Finale was held at the Thai Bridgestone Test Track in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.

Mr. Hiroyasu Sato, President of Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd., said, “As a leader in Thailand’s truck industry with the No. 1 highest sales for several decades, Isuzu remains committed to promoting safe driving and efficient truck operation through the ‘Isuzu Excellent Truck Driving Contest’ competition. This year, we have elevated the competition by introducing the intelligent TELETEC GPS system to select drivers based on real-world driving data, providing drivers across the country who demonstrate good driving behavior with the opportunity to participate in the competition and continuously develop their skills and capabilities. This competition reflects the ‘Isuzu Trusted Buddy’ philosophy. Isuzu is committed not only to offering products that meet customers’ needs, but also to supporting drivers and business operators in various aspects, including improving vehicle efficiency, reducing operating costs, and promoting road safety, enabling the transportation business to operate efficiently and achieve stable and sustainable growth.”

Isuzu’s commitment to supporting and developing truck operators goes beyond driving skills. Under the “Isuzu Life Cycle Solutions” concept, Isuzu provides comprehensive solutions covering the entire truck ownership journey—from purchase and operation to resale. These solutions are designed to help operators manage costs and improve business efficiency, including financing and body-building consultation, cost reduction through the TELETEC system and driver behavior training, vehicle maintenance through Tri Petch service centers and genuine parts, as well as the Isuzu Care maintenance package. The solutions also extend to vehicle replacement and enhanced resale opportunities through the Truck2Hand platform, reflecting Isuzu’s commitment to being a trusted partner for operators throughout every stage of their business.

For this year’s competition, the selection process has been enhanced from the traditional regional-based format to an assessment based on real-world driving behavior data collected through the intelligent TELETEC GPS “for the New Era of Logistics” system, developed by Tri Petch Isuzu Sales Co., Ltd. The system accurately analyzes vehicle data directly from the ECM of Isuzu trucks, providing insights into driving behaviors that affect fuel consumption and driving safety. It also provides management reports offering an overview of an organization’s entire fleet from up to 10 perspectives, enabling transport businesses to manage their operations more easily and efficiently.

The competition selected the top three drivers with the highest scores in each competition category from each sales region that sells trucks to corporate customers. An additional 12 drivers with the highest overall scores nationwide were also selected, bringing the total to 60 top drivers advancing to the Grand Finale. The finalists were divided into two categories: 30 drivers in the 10-wheel full-trailer 

truck category, featuring the Isuzu King of Trucks Euro 5 Max FXZ, and 30 drivers in the 10-wheel tractor head with semi-trailer category, featuring the Isuzu King of Trucks Euro 5 Max GXZ

For the Final Round, Isuzu recreated various emergency situations that are commonly associated with road accidents and incorporated them into a series of competition stations. These challenges were designed to test the drivers’ vehicle-control skills and ability to make safe decisions under time constraints, through four test stations:

Station 1: Slalom Driving Challenge Simulating sudden obstacle-avoidance situations to assess drivers’ steering and vehicle-control skills, vehicle positioning when turning, and ability to accurately memorize and follow the designated course.

Station 2: Driving in a Confined Area Challenge Simulating reversing and maneuvering into parking spaces in blind spots or confined areas commonly encountered in everyday driving, testing drivers’ ability to judge distances and control the vehicle while reversing without hitting obstacles.

Station 3: Cornering and Precision Parking Challenge Simulating forward driving through curves and parking within designated areas to assess drivers’ precision in avoiding obstacles and positioning the vehicle correctly when parking.

Station 4: Fuel-Efficient and Safe Driving Challenge Assessing drivers’ knowledge and ability to drive on actual roads under controlled conditions with external factors minimized. The challenge focuses on fuel-efficient driving, road safety, and proper compliance with traffic regulations to ensure the highest level of safety.

The results of the “Isuzu Excellent Truck Driving Contest 2026” Final Round are as follows:

10-wheel Full-trailer Truck category 

• Winner: Mr. Panupong Paengkrathok from TAPIOCA 2020 CO., LTD.Received a cash prize of THB 100,000, along with a prestigious trophy.

• First Runner-Up: Mr. Supin Sanggannog from PAPHATDECH LIMITED PARTNERSHIPReceived a cash prize of THB 50,000, along with a prestigious trophy.

• Second Runner-Up: Mr. Suthon Buaphong from MILESTONE CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD.Received a cash prize of THB 30,000, along with a prestigious trophy.

10-wheel Tractor Head with Semi-trailer category 

• Winner: Mr. Santisuk Komphanom  from JJ CHAROEN YON LIMITED PARTNERSHIPReceived a cash prize of THB 100,000, along with a prestigious trophy.

• First Runner-Up: Mr. Mongkol Boonchula from HIRUN TRANSPORT LIMITED PARTNERSHIPReceived a cash prize of THB 50,000, along with a prestigious trophy.

• Second Runner-Up: Mr. Audon Niamson from TAPIOCA 2020 CO., LTD.Received a cash prize of THB 30,000, along with a prestigious trophy.

In addition, Isuzu presented THB 20,000 Isuzu gift vouchers to the business owners of the winners and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th runners-up, as well as THB 10,000 Isuzu gift vouchers to the business owners of contestants ranked 6th–30th in both categories.

Mr. Panupong Paengkrathok from TAPIOCA 2020 CO., LTD. winner of the 10-wheel full-trailer truck category, shared his experience: “I think the most challenging station this year was the Slalom Driving Challenge because the time was limited and there were many cones. However, the station I was most proud of was Station 2, the Driving in a Confined Area Challenge. It required reversing in and out, and I achieved my best time there.  This was my third time participating in the competition. I practiced by reviewing what I had learned from previous competitions and working on areas where I could improve. Today, I finally achieved my goal. I will apply the skills I gained from this competition to my work and everyday life. I would encourage other drivers to join the competition. In addition to gaining knowledge and skills that can be applied to their work, there are also cash prizes to be won.”

Mr. Santisuk Komphanom from JJ CHAROEN YON Limited Partnership, winner of the 10-wheel tractor head with semi-trailer category, shared his experience: “The station I found most challenging was station 4, the Fuel-Efficient and Safe Driving Challenge. Having to park precisely along the designated line was particularly difficult. This was my first time participating in the competition, but I was able to win thanks to many years of practice and the experience I have gained over the past eight to nine years. I would like to encourage anyone who wants to participate to practice as much as possible so that they can come and compete for the winner.”

Dr. Ratchata Varunsukhasiri, Vice President, MERMAID LOGISTICS Co., Ltd. whose company supported its employees in participating in the competition, said:  “I believe this is a very good and beneficial program, both for drivers and organizations, especially those involved in the transportation business. Drivers are a key component of the business, so they need to be aware of safe driving practices and continuously develop themselves, particularly in terms of concentration and being vigilant toward other road users.  This makes the program extremely valuable. In the past, road users may have been afraid of big trucks, but today I believe truck drivers across the country have significantly improved themselves through this program. Having an efficient vehicle is important, but we also need skilled drivers who can operate the vehicle safely and avoid potential hazards on the road.  The program also helps establish standards for organizations in terms of cost management and long-term break-even performance. I believe it is beneficial to every organization that operates vehicles.  Today, I see Isuzu as more than just a vehicle seller. Isuzu is also a partner that supports us in managing our fleet through various data solutions and excellent after-sales services. Isuzu is a driving force that moves forward alongside our business, which has a significant long-term impact on organizations operating transportation businesses.”

Ms. Nittaya Duangjit, Managing Director, P.PRATCHAYA LTD., PART., also shared her views on the program: “We were interested in participating in the Isuzu Excellent Truck Driving Contest because we wanted to help our employees improve their driving skills, making them safer and more fuel-efficient drivers. With fuel prices currently high, we believe this program is particularly relevant. We also participate in Isuzu Care, which helps us maintain and service our vehicles. Another Isuzu solution that we really like is the TELETEC system because it allows us to see our drivers’ driving behavior. Sometimes our drivers have to travel to many different locations, and we cannot always accompany them. With TELETEC, however, we can review the data whenever an issue arises. It also helps us ensure fairness for our employees. That is why TELETEC is our favorite Isuzu solution.”

Moreover, the event featured “Isuzu KoT Verse” a virtual truck-driving simulation that allowed participants to experience being a professional truck driver in a virtual world. The event also featured the special “Isuzu Trusted Market” activity zone, reflecting Isuzu’s commitment to supporting its customers’ businesses and generating income for them by purchasing food and beverages from Thai Isuzu customers’ restaurants and offering them to event attendees free of charge.

For more news and updates from Isuzu www.isuzu-tis.com and Facebook: Isuzu Trucks Thailand.

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