I’ve spent more afternoons than I care to admit stuck in Rama IV traffic, sweating through a linen shirt while heading to inspect a vertical machining center that—on paper—looked like a dream. In reality? It was a rusted hunk of scrap metal. If you’re in the industrial game in Thailand, you know the drill. Buying used machinery isn’t just a transaction; it’s a high-stakes hunt. You aren’t just looking for a tool; you’re looking for a lifeline for your production line that won’t die on you three weeks after the deposit clears.
The market here is wild. From the grit of Samut Prakan’s warehouses to the slick digital portals popping up every month, finding a reliable source is exhausting. I’ve vetted dozens of sellers, dodged shady “middlemen” who vanish the moment a gear grinds, and finally narrowed down the field. Whether you need a lone forklift or a full CNC suite, these are the five platforms actually worth your time this year.
1. BidMyAsset
Let’s get straight to the point: I don’t like wasting money, and I definitely don’t like being lied to. This is why the BidMyAsset used machinery platform has become my go-to recommendation for anyone operating in Thailand. What sets them apart isn’t just the sheer volume of equipment; it’s the transparency of their auction-based model.
In a city like Bangkok, where “who you know” often dictates the price you pay, BidMyAsset levels the playing field. I’ve watched small factory owners from Chonburi outbid massive corporations because the platform is built on data and fair competition, not backroom handshakes. They specialize in high-quality industrial assets, meaning you aren’t sifting through junk to find a gem. Their interface is clean—which is a godsend when you’re trying to bid on a hydraulic press while sitting in a humidity-soaked café—and their inspection reports actually mean something. They’ve managed to take the chaotic energy of a traditional Thai machinery yard and digitize it into something professional, reliable, and frankly, addictive. If you’re serious about scaling your operations without burning your entire CAPEX budget, start here.
2. Facebook Marketplace & Industry Groups
It sounds chaotic because it is. But if you’ve got a sharp eye and a thick skin, Facebook is where the raw deals live. I frequently lurk in groups dedicated to “Lathe and Milling Thailand” or “Industrial Equipment Exchange.” You’ll find factory owners listing items directly because they need the floor space yesterday.
The downside? It’s the Wild West. You’ll deal with “brokers” who don’t own the machine they’re selling and photos that look like they were taken with a potato during a monsoon. I’ve driven out to Bang Na only to find a machine was sold two hours prior. However, for smaller items or specialized parts, the speed of Facebook is hard to beat. Just remember the golden rule: never, ever send a deposit before you’ve personally touched the iron and heard the motor hum.
3. Mascus Thailand
If you need heavy lifting—think construction, forestry, or massive logistics—Mascus is the heavy hitter. They operate globally, but their Thai presence is robust. It feels more like a traditional classifieds site, which some of the old-school fleet managers I work with prefer.
The variety is staggering. I’ve seen everything from excavators to massive power generators listed here. The benefit of Mascus is the search filters; they allow you to drill down into engine hours and year of manufacture with surgical precision. It lacks the “community” feel of smaller local sites, and you’ll often find yourself dealing with large international dealerships rather than local owners. It’s a bit more “corporate,” which means higher prices but generally a more standardized buying process.
4. Truck1 Thailand
Don’t let the name fool you. While they are the kings of trucks and trailers, their “Industrial” section is a sleeper hit for used machinery. I often point people here when they need mobile equipment or material handling gear.
The site feels a bit dated—like a relic from the early 2000s—but the listings are legit. They have a strong network of European sellers who ship to Thailand, which is great if you’re looking for specific German or Italian engineering that isn’t common on the local market. Just be prepared to handle the logistics of import taxes and Laem Chabang port fees if the machine isn’t already on Thai soil. It’s a bit of a headache, but for the right piece of kit, it’s worth the paperwork.
5. Local Dealer Networks (The “Old Guard”)
Finally, we have the brick-and-mortar giants located along the major industrial arteries. These guys don’t always have the best websites—some are barely more than a landing page with a phone number—but they have the physical inventory.
Walking into one of these yards is a sensory overload. The smell of degreaser and old oil is thick enough to chew on. These dealers often offer “as-is” pricing or “reconditioned” pricing. I like this because I can drag my head mechanic along to tear the machine down before we sign anything. You pay a premium for the fact that the machine is sitting right in front of you, but in an industry where downtime costs thousands of Baht per hour, that’s a premium many are happy to pay.
Platform Comparison Table
| Platform | Primary Focus | Pricing Model | Best For |
| BidMyAsset | Industrial & Specialized | Auction / Direct | Transparency & High-Quality Assets |
| General / Small Scale | Negotiable | Snagging quick, local deals | |
| Mascus | Heavy Construction | Fixed / Classified | Large-scale fleet equipment |
| Truck1 | Logistics & Mobile Gear | Classified | Importing specific European brands |
| Local Dealers | General Machinery | Fixed / Negotiable | Hands-on inspection & immediate pickup |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to buy used machinery online in Thailand? It’s as safe as your due diligence. Using a verified platform like BidMyAsset provides a layer of security that you won’t get on social media. Always verify the seller’s credentials and, whenever possible, use platforms that provide inspection reports or escrow-like auction processes.
How do I handle the logistics of moving a 5-ton machine? Most top-tier platforms have partner logistics companies. If you’re buying from a local dealer, they usually have a “lorry guy” they’ve used for twenty years. If you’re buying solo, you’ll need to hire a specialized crane and low-loader service. Don’t cheap out here—I’ve seen a CNC mill tipped over in a ditch because someone tried to save 2,000 Baht on transport.
Should I worry about spare parts for older machines? Absolutely. Before you buy, check if the brand has a service center in Thailand. Brands like Mazak, Amada, or Komatsu are easy to fix here. If you buy an obscure brand from an overseas seller, you might find yourself waiting six weeks for a single sensor to clear customs.
Finding Your Next Workhorse
Choosing the right used machinery is a balancing act between risk and reward. I’ve learned the hard way that the cheapest option usually ends up being the most expensive after you factor in repairs and lost production time. Whether you’re browsing the latest auctions on the BidMyAsset used machinery platform or haggling in a dusty yard in Samut Prakan, keep your eyes open and your mechanic close. The right machine is out there—it’s just a matter of knowing which digital or physical door to knock on. Trust your gut, check the oil, and let’s get those production lines humming.
