Thailand is taking a significant step towards solidifying its position as a regional leader in electric vehicle (EV) production with the approval of a $1 billion investment from China’s Sunwoda Electronics. The National Competitiveness Enhancement Commission has given the green light for Sunwoda to establish a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant in Chonburi Province, located in the Eastern Economic Corridor. This move will significantly enhance the country’s electric vehicle battery supply chain and create thousands of skilled jobs.
The new facility, set to begin construction soon, will focus on producing EV battery cells and energy storage systems (ESS). The project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs at its inception, with further opportunities for Thai engineers and researchers as the company expands its operations.
Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of Thailand’s Board of Investment (BOI), emphasized that this investment will bolster Thailand’s status as a key manufacturing hub for EVs and hybrids. He also noted that local production of EV battery cells would enhance the country’s competitiveness and support the growing EV ecosystem, which includes a robust charging infrastructure and local battery pack assembly.
“This project will not only support the wider adoption of ESS and solar energy in Thailand but will also foster knowledge transfer through the hiring of thousands of skilled workers,” Therdsteerasukdi said.
The Sunwoda facility marks the company’s first EV battery cell manufacturing site in ASEAN, underscoring Thailand’s growing appeal as a destination for high-value foreign direct investment (FDI). The company is a leader in hybrid battery sales and ranks third in high-end EV batteries in China.
This development is part of Thailand’s broader strategy to transition from traditional automotive production to the electrification of its automotive industry. The country has seen a surge in investment, with automotive and related sectors contributing significantly to a record high of 1.14 trillion baht in investment applications in 2024. The project further reflects the confidence global investors have in Thailand’s growing EV manufacturing sector.
