STORY: Chinese car makers take lead in Thailand's EV market
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Nov. 12, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:10
LOCATION: Bangkok
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of electric vehicles
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Thai): Thai customer
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Thai): SUROJ SANGSNIT, Vice president of Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand

STORYLINE:

Thailand's automotive landscape has witnessed a surge in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, with Chinese automakers leading the charge. 

In 2023 alone, pure EV sales in Thailand exceeded 73,000 units, marking a staggering 603.66 percent increase compared to the previous year. 

Notably, over 80 percent of these vehicles are Chinese brands.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Thai): Thai customer
"My son is considering buying a Chinese electric car because he was so impressed with the test drive."

On Nov. 1, Chinese carmaker BYD officially launched its premium brand DENZA in Thailand.

On Oct. 29, Riddara Automobile (Thailand), a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Geely, launched its first electric pickup truck in Thailand.

Earlier in July, BYD opened an EV plant in Thailand, the automaker's first Southeast Asian factory.

Also in July, Chinese automaker GAC Aion, a subsidiary of GAC Group, opened its first EV factory in Thailand.

Under the government's investment promotion, Thailand aims to produce EVs for 30 percent of all vehicles in the country by 2030.

SOUNDBITE 2 (Thai): SUROJ SANGSNIT, Vice president of Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand
"China is now the source of the most cutting-edge EV technology.
People in Thailand gain benefits from the introduction of EVs, which give them access to more options and technologies.
Instead of being protectionists, we should work together so that we can share knowledge and embrace those technologies to advance our nation."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Bangkok.
(XHTV)