Thailand has approved a $1 billion investment by China’s Sunwoda Electronic to enhance its electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain, solidifying the country’s position as a key player in the regional EV market. The move aligns with Thailand’s strategy to transition from traditional automotive manufacturing to electrification, creating thousands of skilled jobs and fostering knowledge transfer. 

Sunwoda Automotive Energy Technology (Thailand) will establish its EV battery production facility in the Eastern Economic Corridor, starting with a lithium-ion battery plant in Chonburi Province. The facility is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs at launch, with further expansion anticipated in engineering and research roles. 

“This investment strengthens Thailand’s EV supply chain and reinforces our status as a manufacturing hub for EVs and hybrids,” said Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary General of the Board of Investment (BOI). 

Sunwoda, a leading battery producer in China, ranks first in hybrid battery sales and third in high-end EV batteries. Its Thai facility will be the company’s first EV battery cell manufacturing site in ASEAN, further attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into Thailand’s growing green energy sector. 

The investment will also drive the adoption of energy storage systems (ESS) and solar power solutions in Thailand, contributing to the nation’s carbon neutral strategy. The government’s push for EV infrastructure, including charging networks and local battery pack production, has made Thailand an attractive destination for global EV investors. 

With investment promotion applications reaching a 10-year high of 1.14 trillion baht in 2024—largely driven by the automotive and clean energy sectors—Thailand is positioning itself as a major hub for sustainable transport and ESG-focused investments. 

Sources: 

https://esgnews.com/thailand-approves-1-billion-sunwoda-ev-battery-investment-to-strengthen-supply-chain/ 

https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/thailand-approves-1-billion-investment-chinas-sunwoda-investment-board-says-2025-03-13/ 

https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/thailand-approves-sunwoda-to-invest-more-than-us1-billion-in-ev-battery-cell-plants-302400869.html 

https://cnevpost.com/2025/03/13/thailand-approves-sunwoda-investment-ev-battery-cell-plants/