Note From The Editor: Mike Maurice typically covers European motorcycle and chopper events for us, however he recently traveled to Thailand to explore the happenings. His article on the Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show 2026 is the first part in a series of articles Mike is crafting for all of us to get an inside look at the rich custom and chopper scene around Thailand. Stay tuned for more to come!
Thailand's custom chopper scene being represented inside the Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show
THE BANGKOK HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW 2026
The custom chopper scene in Asia is home to an incredible number of talented builders. A spotlight is shone upon some of them in Thailand at the Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show. I recently had the chance to experience it firsthand and get my mind blown at this outstanding 2026 edition of the Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show.
For someone coming over from Europe, the difference of the culture is real: it’s massive, deeply impressive, and beautiful, both in terms of the country's rich culture and its local custom scene.
It was only the show’s 6th edition but the build quality was exceptional, the organization was flawless, and the number of vehicles on display was truly impressive.
Sick custom flathead trike in the middle of some custom vintage cars.
The show is cleanly divided into different sections to keep a solid flow throughout the venue. You’ve got cars (ranging from lowriders and hot rods to Japanese and even custom tuk-tuks) alongside more than 200 motorcycles spread across the swap meet, show bike, chopper, and partner zones.
Everything is designed to make visitors feel comfortable inside the massive IMPACT Exhibition Center in Bangkok.
Kawasaki W Pre-unit Motor. This is one killer custom build.
The show bike section was nothing short of mind-blowing. The talent of the Asian exhibitors left a lasting impression on me, with builders constantly pushing the boundaries of creativity.
Walking through the show, you quickly realize that the donor bikes used here are incredibly diverse, way more varied than what you typically see at most European or American events.
Beautiful custom Sportster chopper.
Kawasaki, Honda, Yamaha, Triumph, Royal Enfield and Harley-Davidson Sportsters... the level of craftsmanship found on some of these builds often surpasses that of a more traditional Shovelhead or old Big Twin Harley project.
The Thai talent shines through pure creativity, meticulous attention to detail, and incredible resourcefulness. They can take a small, humble Yamaha SR400 and transform it into a radical, lane-splitting chopper. That’s exactly the kind of wild machinery you run into here.
Nack Automotive's Panhead chopper.
Best of Show: The list would be far too long if I were to describe every motorcycle on display. But the best of show goes to Nack Automotive, who took home the Best of Show with the yellow Panhead Chopper, scoring a direct ticket to the prestigious Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show in Japan.
Traditional chopper corner.
Beyond the show bike area, Thailand's traditional chopper corner felt incredibly authentic. We're talking classic, raw choppers that smell like oil, the open road, and road-worn stories. For this section, the top honors went to the impressive Knucklehead built by April Boy Gallery. Congrats to him!
Hanging with some of the coolest people!
The kindness and hospitality of the Thai people made it incredibly easy to strike up a conversation and learn more about their fabrication process. It was a real privilege to dive into their culture and workflow just by hanging out and chatting with the local artists.
Riding in, in style.
The event definitely carried an international flavor, drawing an impressive lineup of special guests from all over the world. Some of them were able to take part in the opening ceremony, guided by the Moon crew.
A great, lively moment inside the indoor show. It was a killer opportunity for visitors to meet and chat with some of the biggest names in the industry.
Out side parking lots full of custom long chops.
Yet, in contrast to the international guests and the refined atmosphere inside the exhibition hall, another Bangkok chopper culture came alive in the parking lot after the show closed.
There, you could discover motorcycles built and lovingly by young amateur builders driven by nothing but a love for choppers and the freedom of the road. It was an unforgettable moment of pure, unfiltered camaraderie.
Some locals leaving the show.
Spending two days in the center of Thailand’s custom culture was an incredible, unforgettable journey. Being thousands of miles away from home, yet finding yourself in Bangkok connecting, sharing, and talking shop with so many fellow custom culture enthusiasts... that’s easily the best part of the trip.
Talking to a local, using google translate.
A huge thank you to Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show crew, thank you Bomb, thank you Mark (Fatboy Design) and thank you to the Mooneyes crew !
Words and photos by: Mike Maur
MORE PHOTOS FROM BANGKOK HOT ROD CUSTOM SHOW
Here's a handful more photos from the event.
Wicked Mini Chopper.
Hot rod!
Wildly different.
Another really rad Sportster chop.
Red Tips
Yamaha XS650 chop.
Long Panhead.
Really rad Knucklehead.
Custom Kawasaki W Unit.
Swing arm custom goodness.
More wild styles.
Did you get your spot!?
Big Twin Evo Ripper.
Getting ready to ride in.
Carry Brobeck from Choppers Magazine giving out an award for this beautiful Knucklehead.
Another killer Yamaha XS650 chop.
So many beautiful Panheads.
Honda Tracker!
Wow, wow, wow this Shovelhead is so rad!
Thailand's sixnature chopper!
Custom Ironhead with so much class!
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