The Thai government greenlit an investment worth AUD 1 billion from Chinese battery manufacturer, Sunwoda. The investment will be used for two factories for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.
SUNWODA AND THAILAND
The initiative was greenlit by Thailand’s Board of Investment and Commission on the National Competitiveness Enhancement for Targeted Industries. This commission is responsible for the growth and economic development of Thailand’s emerging industries. One example would be the growing EV industry and its auxiliary products and services such as batteries, charging ports, and more.
Known as “the Auto King of Asia,” Thailand is making great strides to pick up sales after a four-year low post-pandemic. Last January 2025, the slump continued but Thai officials and organisations are keen to revive its weakening auto market.
Sunwoda, the investing party of these facilities, specialises in battery production, energy storage, and mobility solutions.
The Sunwoda factories will not only manufacture batteries but also house research and development activities for the company. Located in the Chun Bori province, the EV battery plant will be Thailand’s first. Its construction and operation bring with it up to 4,000 jobs for locals, namely engineers and researchers. The batteries manufactured in Sunwoda’s facilities will be used for both domestic and international markets.
The company is also in talks of starting an EV battery recycling initiative in the country, a move that provides further support for Thailand’s supply chain and expired EV batteries. Sunwoda’s investment displays a commitment to aiding Thailand in developing its EV technology sector.
INVESTMENTS IN THAILAND
Sunwoda’s investment is a significant step forward for Thailand’s EV industry. But the Chinese battery manufacturer isn’t the only company to show it support. Japanese auto giant Mazda announced last February 2025 that they will be investing up to AUD 234 million for EV production in the kingdom.
Last year, The Nation Thailand reported that Thailand will see up to THB 227 billion (AUD 106 billion) in EV industry investments. Mazda is not the only Japanese car maker to sow their seeds in the country, Toyota, Honda, and Isuzu reportedly announced their plans to invest in Thailand’s EV sector as well.
Though Thailand is known for its auto manufacturing, it is competing with fellow Southeast Asian countries to be a global EV hub. Indonesia, for example, is seeing similar investments from the likes of EV maker BYD and Korean brands Hyundai and LG. The archipelago houses the first EV battery factor in the region, beating Thailand to the punch by several months.
Was this article informative? Leave us a like to let us know!
