The EEC initiative aims to transform three eastern provinces into a premier economic zone through significant infrastructure upgrades and attractive investment incentives.

Notably, several Chinese automotive brands, including BYD, Changan, GAC Aion, Great Wall Motor, and MG, have established production facilities in the EEC, bolstering local markets and enhancing export capabilities.

Thailand is also looking to strengthen its collaboration with China on environmentally friendly transport solutions, which encompass electric buses, trucks, railways, and green ports.

Moreover, Chinese investments are increasingly directed towards the digital technology sector and the Bio-Circular-Green (BCG) economy, highlighting a commitment to sustainability.

Chula Sukmanop, secretary-general of the EEC Office, noted a strategic shift since 2017 from traditional manufacturing to more complex technologies introduced by Chinese firms.

Chula expressed optimism that Thailand can evolve into a hub for converting research-based technology into commercial products for the global market.

Chinese investment plays a crucial role in advancing high-value projects within Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), which is designed to position the country as a global export hub for advanced technology.

Investment in Thailand's electric vehicle (EV) supply chain has reached approximately 137.7 billion baht, or about 4.25 billion USD, which includes 21 battery EV production projects with an annual capacity of 386,000 units.

In a remarkable trend, production of passenger battery EVs in Thailand surged by 380% year-on-year in the first half of 2025, now accounting for 3.28% of the country's total auto manufacturing.

In line with this growth, the Thai government has set an ambitious goal to convert 30% of its annual auto production to zero-emission vehicles by 2030, promoting a shift towards green mobility.