• Enhances Thailand’s EV battery supply chain.
• Creates thousands of skilled jobs and facilitates knowledge transfer.
• Solidifies Thailand’s position as a regional EV manufacturing hub.

Thailand’s National Competitiveness Enhancement Commission approved China’s Sunwoda Electronic to invest over US$1 billion in manufacturing electric vehicle (EV) battery cells and energy storage systems (ESS), significantly boosting Thailand’s EV supply chain capabilities.

Sunwoda Automotive Energy Technology (Thailand) will establish its facility in the Eastern Economic Corridor, beginning with a lithium-ion battery plant in Chonburi Province. Construction is underway, with over 1,000 jobs anticipated at launch and further hiring of Thai engineers and researchers planned.

“Today marks a milestone in the development of Thailand’s EV supply chain, as having EV battery cells produced locally will significantly reinforce our status as a manufacturing hub for EVs and hybrids, and increase the country’s competitiveness,” said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the BOI.

The investment aligns with Thailand’s strategic shift from conventional automotive production towards electrification. Sunwoda’s entry supports the nation’s rapidly expanding EV ecosystem, including a robust charging network, local charger production, and battery pack assembly.

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“This project will also help widen the use of ESS and solar energy in our country, and, through the hiring of thousands of Thai engineers and workers, contribute to knowledge transfer in an industry which is of critical importance for the future,” Therdsteerasukdi added.

Sunwoda, headquartered in Shenzhen, ranks first in hybrid battery sales and third in high-end EV batteries in China. Its Thai facility marks the company’s first EV battery cell manufacturing site in ASEAN, emphasizing Thailand’s growing attractiveness for high-value foreign direct investment (FDI).

In 2024 alone, investment promotion applications in Thailand reached a 10-year peak of 1.14 trillion baht, with automotive and related sectors contributing significantly, highlighting robust confidence from global investors.

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