Tesla is actively exploring the possibility of acquiring a substantial piece of land in Thailand for a potential manufacturing facility, as revealed by the country’s Prime Minister following discussions with Tesla executives. While Tesla recently halted plans for Gigafactory Mexico, the electric automaker continues to scout future factory locations, considering options like Canada and India.
Despite entering the Thai market officially only last year, Tesla is already contemplating a factory in the region. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin shared that Tesla executives visited Thailand and met with him, expressing confidence in the automaker’s interest in investing in the country. The reported land requirement is approximately 800 acres, located in an industrial area.
Thailand holds a significant position as one of Asia’s major vehicle assembly hubs, producing up to 2 million vehicles annually. Should Tesla proceed with a manufacturing facility in the country, it could substantially contribute to the local automotive output, aligning with Tesla’s preference for large high-volume factories. While the specific purpose of the facility remains unclear, possibilities include vehicle assembly, battery production, or components manufacturing.
With over 750,000 cars sold in Thailand last year, the local auto market is notable, and projections estimate a further increase to 800,000ā900,000 vehicles this year. Notably, Tesla’s potential factory in Thailand could be geared toward exports, tapping into the country’s strategic location for regional and global distribution.