The request was made as the National EV Policy Committee is about to be set up under the Anutin Charnvirakul government, reports the Bangkok Post.
The ongoing scheme, widely known as EV3.5, is aimed at propelling EV industry growth between 2024 and 2027. EV manufacturers are granted tax cuts and subsidies to import vehicles for sale in Thailand in exchange for their investment in EV assembly plants here.
“If EV3.5 comes to an end, we want to see an extension. Authorities may launch EV4.0,” said Xiao Haiping, administrative director of BYD Auto Thailand’s Office of the Group President.
BYD urged the government to introduce new measures to stimulate domestic car sales and expressed hope for continued support of Thailand’s automotive industry and supply chains.
Having the potential to be a key hub for battery electric vehicle (BEV) investment in Southeast Asia, Thailand plays a vital role in the region’s clean mobility future.
This status could be achieved if the new National EV Policy Committee continues to promote BEV production and export through its EV incentive programmes.
“Thailand’s domestic car sales declined to 572,000 units in 2024, placing the country third in Asean behind Indonesia and Malaysia," said Mr Xiao.
However, Thailand ranks first in car production capacity within Asean, with an average output of 1 million units a year. Indonesia follows in second place, producing roughly 800,000 units a year.
According to Mr Xiao, BYD continues to pursue a price war strategy in Thailand, viewing it as essential for attracting customers and driving sales amid increasing competition in the country’s growing BEV market.
Nava Chantanasurakon, vice-chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, urged BYD to support local auto parts manufacturers as they transition from producing components for internal combustion engines to EV systems.
“Though sourcing EV parts from Thailand may be more expensive than importing from China, local companies are actively transitioning to new technologies,” he said.
“BYD can help support this shift by increasing local content to over 45%, in line with Thai government policy.”