So, looks like the 2023 Toyota Prius (XW60) seen at the Bangkok International Motor Show earlier this year was a writing on the wall, eh? At least that's what media outlet Autolife Thailand reports, as their recent scoop says that the vaunted model will be heading to their market soon.

The site says that the fifth-generation hybrid stalwart will be launched in Thailand come 2024, and it is said to be locally-assembled (CKD) to boot. Specs and all will have to wait till later, though the publication names both the full-hybrid and plug-in hybrid (HEV, PHEV) in their article.

Also read: 5th gen 2023 Toyota Prius debuts - adds 2.0L PHEV, 0-100 km/h in 6.7s, with looks Mazda will be jealous of

Should this be true, it would mark the model's official return to the wider ASEAN market after seven years – the cyber-looking fourth-gen model (XW50, sold elsewhere through 2016 to 2022), was only sold in Singapore and the Phillippines. High taxes on imported models (CBU) were part of the reason.

Prior to that we had the third-gen (XW30) model carrying the mantle, at one point it was locally-assembled in Thailand. It was also sold in Malaysia, back when sales of hybrid cars were incentivised.

Obviously since then, the Prius has had a major glow-up. Today, it rides on the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), and it's packed with the brand's much-sharpened fifth-generation hybrid system. Headline features are its new 2.0-litre variant, which in PHEV form makes 223 PS, or 193 PS without the plug-in capabilities.

Also read: Toyota builds its cars to last 20 years but this Prius is the first to allow used car buyers to enjoy factory-approved upgrades