The government of Thailand is pushing for a dual-track approach to vehicle manufacturing, fostering the production of both internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin stated his desire for Thailand to be a significant centre of ICE production, even as the nation aims to become a hub for BEV manufacturing. He is due to clarify this dual support for ICE and BEV production with Japanese authorities in December.
The government’s support of ICE vehicles is rational due to the time required for a global shift towards electric vehicles. Thailand is a major hub for pickup production, many of which are exported to developing countries. However, these need to be ICE vehicles due to the limited battery technology for electric pickups.
The government is also planning to support vehicles with low emissions, in…
