ภาษาไทยEnergy Ministry proposing electric vehicle commission
Electric vehicles (EVs) are getting a surge of support in Thailand as the Ministry of Energy will recommend that the government establish a national EV commission, as the Ministry of Finance announced it is drafting an EV master plan. Also, Toyota won approval to produce hybrid EVs in the country last week.
Advanced vehicle technology and production are one of 12 priority industries under Thailand 4.0, the national strategy for advanced development. The Kingdom is already the vehicle production powerhouse of Southeast Asia. Embracing EVs and artificial intelligence-based driving technologies will ensure Thailand remains competitive in vehicle manufacturing well into the future.
Energy Minister Sontirat Sontijirawong said he intends to present to the Cabinet a proposal to establish z national commission on electric vehicles (EV), with Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak as president. Somkid oversees economic ministries.
“The private sector is very excited. We are expecting there will be a systematic investment by the private sector, which will accelerate the growth of electric cars,” Sontirat said.
At the same time, Finance Minister Uttama Savanayana announced that his ministry is drafting a road map for EV production in Thailand. The document would serve as a national master plan for EVs, he said.
“The auto industry has been transformed by digital tech firms engaging in car production,” Uttama said.
The roadmap would be aimed at building confidence among carmakers considering investing in EV manufacturing in Thailand. The minister said that several manufacturers have asked for clear government policy, investment criteria, and incentives to drive EV production here.
In the meantime, some auto firms are already beginning to produce hybrid EVs in the Kingdom. This month, the Board of Investment granted approval and incentives for Toyota Motor Corporation’s plan to manufacture EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs in Thailand.
Toyota plans to manufacture its EVs at its Gateway plant in the province of Chachoengsao, which is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) advanced development zone.
Photo courtesy of https://gnews.apps.go.th/news?news=13426