Surapong, vice president of the Federation of Thai Industries and spokesman of the auto industry Club, said in an interview with Xinhua News Agency recently that Chinese auto 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 Thailand's auto industry, driving investment and employment, and driving Thailand's economic development. Surapong believes that Chinese car manufacturers will bring products to Thailand, so that more Thai people can drive electric cars at an acceptable price, which is an important reason for the success of Chinese car companies and brands in the Thai market. Although the use and maintenance cost of electric vehicles is lower than that of traditional fuel vehicles, in the past, electric vehicles were expensive and the acceptance of ordinary consumers was limited. According to data from the Federation of Thai Industries, passenger car sales in 2023 in Thailand will be about 407,000, of which more than 73,000 pure electric vehicles will be sold, an increase of 603.66% over the previous year. Chinese brands such as SAIC MG, Great Wall, BYD, GAC Aean, Changan Automobile and Nezha Automobile have all launched electric vehicles in the Thai market, which have been well received by consumers. According to data from the Land Transport Department of Thailand, more than 80% of the newly licensed pure electric vehicles in Thailand in 2023 are Chinese brands.
In Surapong's view, the arrival of Chinese car companies has promoted the development of Thailand's automotive industry, especially the manufacturing of electric vehicles, and made Thailand further aware of the importance of building infrastructure such as charging piles to support the electric vehicle industry. Thailand has long been committed to the development of the automobile industry, and has introduced many well-known automobile companies to invest in Thailand and build factories and export products abroad. Surapong said that as electric vehicles are favored by more and more consumers, Thailand's auto industry also needs to transform, and Thailand should become a production base for electric vehicles. Surapong said that a number of Chinese car companies that have invested in Thailand will realize localized production in Thailand, and these companies will introduce their own supply chain partners, which will bring investment to Thailand, provide jobs for Thai people and help Thailand's economic development. He said that it is a right choice for Chinese car companies to enter the Thai market, "I hope that electric vehicles produced in Thailand can not only meet the needs of the Thai market, but also export to other countries."
