Tesla and Thailand Prime Minister (PM) Srettha Thavisin reportedly set a new meeting in November amid numerous’ countries’ efforts to win the American electric automaker’s investment for a new production plant, Khaosod English reports, citing the latter’s announcement.
What’s currently known about the meeting?
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin drove a Tesla Model Y to the Royal Thai Police HQ before going to the cabinet meeting yesterday, October 16.
PM Thavisin responded with a query regarding the luxury electric crossover, saying it is a family car. He also indicated that the EV is ideal for the Bangkok traffic situation with remarkable acceleration. He further stated that it is a sustainable alternative to traditional vehicles as it enables a PM 2.5 pollution reduction.
However, he did not clarify the details of the meeting and its main agenda. Nonetheless, he asserted that it aims to court Tesla with its Model Y ownership. He even compared it to his Mercedes car.
“This November I will negotiate with Tesla. I want to entice them by saying that I also have [their car] at home and it is an electric car. Getting in and out is convenient because I am a tall person. Compared to my Mercedes office car, it’s easier to put my head down.”
Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin
PM Thavisin clarified that the country offers the same advantages to all automakers seeking to invest there. However, he argued that Thailand has better benefits to offer than other ASEAN nations.
Tesla’s Thai presence
Tesla initially launched its popular offerings, Model Y and 3, in Thailand in early 2023. The Thai Government allowed Tesla to bring its electric vehicle models into the country from Gigafactory Shanghai without import fees, Teslarati reported.
However, Tesla EVs cannot access Thailand’s subsidies because of the models’ origin. The government demands automakers to produce EVs locally to take advantage of the government incentives for battery-powered vehicles.
Thailand electrification efforts
PM Thavisin further plans to introduce Thailand as one of Southeast Asia’s EV hubs in his upcoming Beijing trip this week.
According to the report, the Prime Minister and his delegation are set to join the 3rd Belt and Road Forum in China.
The Thai PM expects to secure maximum investments of $5 billion from foreign companies such as Tesla, Microsoft, and Google.
PM Thavisin strongly anticipates Tesla to establish a production factory in the country. It is part of the country’s efforts to promote local EV production.
Notably, Thailand led the ASEAN region’s electric vehicle sales with a 79% market share in Q1 2023.
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Thailand aims to have EVs account for 30% of its total annual 2.5 million vehicle production. Therefore, the government continues to boost its electrification strategy with significant incentives and subsidies to encourage the shift to e-mobility.
Tesla’s presence continues to boost the country’s EV sales since the arrival of the Model Y and 3. However, having a local gigafactory will further strengthen the Thai EV industry.
