Transforming for the future

SGGP 07/08/2023 09:23

The Thai government is implementing many measures to encourage the development of the electric vehicle industry as well as promote the use of electric vehicles.

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Five government agencies and the private sector in Thailand signed a memorandum of understanding on July 6 to help the country's auto parts suppliers prepare for the transition to electric vehicle production and use globally.

The MoU focuses on collaboration between five agencies to help startups and SMEs develop new products for the electric vehicle industry, which is expected to help Thai businesses increase their sustainable competitiveness. These agencies include the Thai Scientific Research and Innovation Agency (TSRI), the Program Management Unit for Competitiveness (PMUC), the National Innovation Agency (NIA), the Thai Automotive Institute, and the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT).

Mr. Pongpan Kaewtatip, Vice President of TSRI, affirmed that Thailand has a lot of potential to transform itself from a global internal combustion engine automobile manufacturing base to an electric vehicle manufacturing hub thanks to its strong supply chain of auto parts.

Meanwhile, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry of Thailand Nattapol Rangsitpol, as a member of the Board of Directors and Secretary of EVAT, said Thailand has a good chance to maintain its position as a global automotive manufacturing base due to its geographical location and numerous free trade agreements with other countries that ensure easy access to foreign markets.

Mr. Nattapol further noted that Thailand's automotive industry has an extensive supply chain, with many supporting industries and skilled labor.

However, Mr. Nattapol pointed to increasing pressure from both domestic and foreign sources, stemming from higher production costs and changes in automotive technology towards next-generation vehicles; such as electric vehicles or connected and autonomous vehicles. These challenges require the Thai automotive industry to transform for the future, through research and innovation as well as increased collaboration between businesses and researchers.

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