Bangkok: The Prime Minister is overseeing Japanese investors and strengthening the automotive supply chain. Mitsubishi Motors has confidence in Thailand and is preparing to invest an additional 16 billion baht to support modern vehicles. Mr. Kato Takao, Chief Executive Officer of Mitsubishi Motors, Japan, paid a courtesy call on Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, during his visit to Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister thanked Mitsubishi Motors for its continued confidence and investment in Thailand for over 65 years, which has been instrumental in the development of the automotive industry, job creation, and driving the Thai economy. This includes supporting the strengthening of the domestic supply chain and parts manufacturing network, reflecting the close economic partnership between Thailand and Japan.
The Prime Minister affirmed that Thailand prioritizes the care and facilitation of foreign investors, initiating the Thailand FastPass program to provide a comprehensive service, reducing procedures and obstacles in trade and investment. This ensures that Thailand remains a potential and competitive manufacturing base in the long term.
The Prime Minister emphasized that Thailand prioritizes strengthening its domestic automotive and parts manufacturing base, particularly supporting businesses that invest in and establish production facilities in Thailand, utilizing Thai labor, and using domestically produced raw materials and parts. Increasing the proportion of domestically produced parts (local content) will strengthen Thai businesses and enhance the long-term resilience of the Thai automotive supply chain.
On this occasion, Mr. Kato Takao, CEO of Mitsubishi Motors, stated that since starting operations in Thailand, the company has accumulated an investment of over 100 billion baht and exported more than 5 million vehicles manufactured in Thailand to global markets. Thailand has strengths in its complete automotive industry supply chain, a network of capable parts manufacturers, and a conducive environment for using domestically produced parts. Therefore, the company remains confident in its long-term business operations and investment in Thailand.
The CEO of Mitsubishi Motors revealed that the company plans to invest an additional approximately 16 billion baht in Thailand until 2030. This investment will focus on electric vehicle technology to support the future transformation of the automotive industry. Simultaneously, the company is studying the possibility of producing and exporting electric pickup trucks, including the Pajero, using Thailand as a production base.
The CEO of Mitsubishi Motors thanked the Thai government for its continued support of the automotive industry, particularly its policies promoting environmentally friendly vehicles. This support has been crucial in fostering the growth of the Thai automotive industry and facilitating the transition to future automotive technologies.