In a strategic move to fortify Thailand’s position in the global electric vehicle (EV) market, top executives from Honda recently engaged in high-level discussions with the Thai government. Toshio Kuwahara, President of Asian Honda Motor Co., Ltd., and Hideo Kawasaka, President of Honda Automobile (Thailand) Co., Ltd., along with their executive team, met with Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Srettha Thavisin.
The discussions centered around Honda’s commitment to supporting Thailand’s clean energy initiatives and the production of electric vehicles. The Thai Prime Minister expressed his pleasure at the longstanding alliance between Japan and Thailand, highlighting the substantial contributions of Japanese companies, including Honda, to Thailand’s progress over the past five decades.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Srettha emphasized the government’s dedication to collaborating with leading automotive companies like Honda. He stressed the importance of advancing the automotive industry and exploring new production sectors while ensuring an inclusive transition for all stakeholders.
Honda, in turn, expressed gratitude for Thailand’s consistent support and recognized the country’s significance as a major automotive production and export hub globally. The company pledged to continue its operations in Thailand, aligning with the government’s clean energy and electric vehicle policies. Honda disclosed plans to increase the production of electric vehicles (EVs) and battery electric motorcycles (BEVs) in Thailand, set to commence next month.
In addition to addressing Honda’s specific plans, the meeting delved into broader discussions on Thai automotive industry policies. The Prime Minister assigned the Board of Investment and relevant agencies the task of formulating measures to promote mutual benefits and cooperation across the supply chain.
Prime Minister Srettha expressed confidence in achieving carbon neutrality goals, especially in the shift from internal combustion engines to the EV sector. Anticipating further discussions during his upcoming visit to Japan, he emphasized the potential benefits for both countries’ business communities. The visit is expected to strengthen ties and facilitate continued collaboration in sustainable automotive growth.
