Surapong, Vice Chairman of the Thai Federation of Industries and spokesperson for the Automobile Industry Club, recently stated in an interview with Xinhua News Agency that Chinese automobile companies have accelerated their entry into the Thai market in recent years, not only allowing more Thai people to drive electric vehicles, but also promoting the development and transformation of the Thai automobile industry, driving investment and employment, and driving the development of the Thai economy.
Surapong believes that bringing products from Chinese car manufacturers to Thailand and allowing more Thai people to drive electric vehicles at an acceptable price is an important reason for the success of Chinese car companies and brands in the Thai market. Although the use and maintenance costs of electric vehicles are lower than traditional fuel vehicles, in the past, electric vehicles were expensive and the acceptance of ordinary consumers was limited.
According to data from the Thai Federation of Industries, the sales of passenger cars in Thailand in 2023 were approximately 407000 units, with pure electric vehicle sales exceeding 73000 units, an increase of 603.66% compared to the previous year. Chinese brands such as SAIC MG, Great Wall, BYD, GAC Aion, Changan Automobile, and Nezha Automobile have all launched electric vehicles in the Thai market, which are popular among consumers. According to data from the Land Transport Department of Thailand, over 80% of newly registered pure electric vehicles in Thailand in 2023 are Chinese brands.
In Surapeng’s view, the arrival of Chinese car companies has driven the development of Thailand’s automotive industry, especially electric vehicle manufacturing, and further made Thailand aware of the importance of building infrastructure such as charging stations to support the electric vehicle industry.
Thailand has been committed to the development of the automotive industry for a long time, attracting many well-known car companies to invest and build factories in Thailand, and exporting their products abroad. Surapong stated that as electric vehicles become increasingly popular among consumers, Thailand’s automotive industry also needs to transform, and Thailand should become a production base for electric vehicles.
Surapong said that several Chinese car companies investing in Thailand will achieve localized production in Thailand. These companies will introduce their own supply chain partners, thereby bringing investment to Thailand, providing employment opportunities for Thai people, and helping Thailand’s economic development.
He said that Chinese car companies entering the Thai market is a correct choice, and he hopes that the electric vehicles produced in Thailand can not only meet the demand of the Thai market, but also be exported to other countries.