Global electric vehicle titan BYD has cemented its dominant position in Southeast Asia’s burgeoning EV market by celebrating the first anniversary of its Rayong manufacturing facility and announcing a monumental achievement: the delivery of over 90,000 new energy vehicles (NEVs) to Thai customers. The milestone event, attended by top government officials and company executives, not only highlighted BYD’s rapid growth but also served as a powerful testament to the success of Thailand’s ambitious policy to become a global EV production hub.
RAYONG, THAILAND – The celebration, held at the WHA Rayong 36 Industrial Estate, was a showcase of a landmark year for BYD Auto (Thailand) and its official distributor, Rêver Automotive. The event underscored the company’s deep integration into the Thai automotive landscape and its pivotal role in accelerating the nation’s sustainable energy transition. Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, BYD made a significant pledge for the future, confirming that its Thai-made vehicles will soon be exported globally, and tantalizingly announced the launch of a new model slated for August 8th.
Representing the Thai government, Narit Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment (BOI), lauded BYD’s achievements, emphasizing their strategic importance to the national economic agenda. He was joined by Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD’s Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, who expressed profound gratitude for the trust placed in the brand by the Thai people.
BOI: BYD a Crucial Partner in “Building Our Dream” for an EV Hub
In his keynote address, BOI Secretary-General Narit Therdsteerasukdi praised BYD’s swift success and thanked the company for its confidence in selecting Thailand for its first major passenger car production plant in the ASEAN region—a strategic decision that validates the country’s potential in the eyes of global investors.
“BYD’s success today is not just a source of pride for the company, but also a clear reflection of the success of the Thai government’s policy, which is strongly committed to elevating Thailand into a world-leading electric vehicle manufacturing hub,” stated Mr. Narit.
He highlighted the integrated efforts of the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (EV Board), chaired by the Prime Minister, and the collaborative synergy between the Ministries of Finance, Industry, and Energy. This concerted push has resulted in robust and continuous promotional measures, creating one of the world’s most comprehensive EV ecosystems.
The results are undeniable. Thailand’s EV market has experienced the most rapid growth in Southeast Asia. According to the latest data, cumulative battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations in the country have now surpassed 250,000 units. Remarkably, BEVs now account for over 15% of all new vehicle registrations—a significantly high adoption rate compared to many countries worldwide.
“We cannot deny that BYD has been an essential part of ‘Building Our Dream,’ making the dream of the Thai people and the government—to see the country become the region’s EV leader—a reality,” Mr. Narit declared. “BYD’s entry has created a positive ripple effect, stimulating competition and investment across the entire related supply chain.”
The economic impact since initial discussions with the BOI in early 2022 has been immense. BYD’s total investment in Thailand has exceeded 35 billion THB, creating over 1,000 direct jobs, with nearly 90% of the positions filled by Thai nationals. Furthermore, the company has demonstrated a strong commitment to localizing its supply chain through initiatives like the “BYD Sourcing Day,” which provided over 200 Thai parts manufacturers with opportunities to integrate into BYD’s procurement network. Future plans include extensive technology transfer to continuously upskill the local workforce.
Looking ahead, the BOI has invited BYD to deepen its partnership by:
- Increasing the proportion of locally manufactured parts in its vehicles.
- Actively supporting and integrating Thai suppliers into BYD’s global supply chain.
- Considering the establishment of a regional Research & Development (R&D) Center and Regional Headquarters in Thailand, for which the government pledges its full support.
BYD: “Made in Thailand” for the World is Now a Reality
Echoing the sentiment of a successful partnership, Liu Xueliang, General Manager of BYD Asia-Pacific Auto Sales Division, spoke with pride about the company’s journey in Thailand.
“One year ago, BYD’s first overseas passenger car factory was born right here in Thailand. Today, we stand here again to celebrate a major milestone: the delivery of our 90,000th vehicle to a Thai customer,” Mr. Liu announced. “These 90,000 cars are not just a number; they represent 90,000 families and 90,000 votes of confidence that the Thai people have given us. From the bottom of our hearts, BYD thanks you.”
Mr. Liu shared memorable moments from the past year, from the first BYD DOLPHIN delivery in Chiang Rai to a time when the BYD team used the vehicle’s innovative Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) technology to provide emergency power during floods in northern Thailand. The incident proved that BYD cars are more than just transportation; they are tools that can provide hope and utility in times of need.
“Throughout this past year, our team has traveled all over Thailand and felt the love that Thai people have for technology and electric vehicles,” he added. “We are constantly listening to the opinions and needs of our consumers, and that is the driving force behind our commitment to delivering the best products, technology, and services to meet those expectations.”
This commitment is backed by a robust ecosystem. Through Rêver Automotive, BYD has established a network of over 108 dealerships and service centers nationwide, ensuring comprehensive customer access and support. The Rayong factory itself has become a major source of local employment, providing jobs for over 6,100 people, with more than 90% being Thai nationals.
The event’s climax came with two major announcements that chart the course for BYD’s future in the region. Mr. Liu firmly stated, “Vehicles ‘Made in Thailand’ will not only be delivered to Thai customers. We plan to export cars from this factory to international markets in other regions very soon. This will establish Thailand as a critical production base in the new energy vehicle revolution, making it known worldwide.”
Building on this excitement, he revealed, “On August 8th, please stay tuned. We will officially launch our fourth electric vehicle model produced right here in Thailand. It is a car that utilizes our very latest platform and technology to offer a different and superior experience for all Thai consumers.”
This one-year anniversary celebration was more than just a reflection on impressive sales figures; it was a powerful demonstration of a forward-looking vision and a solid collaboration between BYD and Thailand. The journey’s first year is merely the beginning, setting the stage for future successes that will continue to propel Thailand’s automotive industry onto a sustainable and formidable position on the global stage.
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