Thailand’s goal of becoming Southeast Asia’s electric vehicle hub could be one step closer after it was agreed that two mineral sites in Phang Nga could produce up to 14.8 million tonnes of lithium.
Nation Thailand reports that the Industry Ministry has confirmed that production at the Ruangkiat and Bang Etu sites would help Thailand become a regional EV hub. The two locations are in the Takua Pa district.
Deputy government spokeswoman Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri says the discovery of high lithium content in Phang Nga means Thailand has the third largest lithium resources after Bolivia and Argentina. In addition, a large amount of sodium has been discovered in the northeast of the country, which could be used to make cheaper EV batteries.
According to Radklao, the high lithium content in Phang Nga could attract more EV makers to set up manufacturing bases for export here. A number of large Chinese EV manufacturers have already decided to create EV factories in the kingdom, with PM Srettha Thavisin now attempting to get Tesla to do the same.
SOURCE: Nation Thailand
