Tesla’s website shows that the company is ramping up hiring efforts in Thailand, the automotive hub of Southeast Asia, looking to hire a business development manager and several recruiters. Demand and interest in electric vehicles is growing in Thailand due to concerns about high energy prices and government incentives for consumers, and this provides a good time for Tesla to ramp up hiring.
Tesla’s website advertised nearly 20 jobs in Bangkok, including a home charging equipment developer, and on Sept. 6, Tesla also posted a position on LinkedIn for a charging infrastructure lead. Other job openings include automotive technicians, customer service personnel and a parts consultant.
Tesla did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the reports.
Photo credit: Tesla
Although the Thai government has been promoting the sale of electric cars, Tesla should not set up a manufacturing base in Thailand at this time, with speculation that the company may set up an official showroom in the country.
Thailand is the fourth-largest auto assembly and export center in Asia, and the country produces about 1.5 million to 2 million vehicles a year, about half of which are exported. Domestic demand for electric vehicles is an important part of the Thai government’s strategy to maintain its position as a top vehicle manufacturing base at the regional level. The Thai government’s goal is to produce 725,000 electric vehicles annually by 2030, accounting for 30 percent of total vehicle production.
Currently, Chinese automakers have begun selling electric vehicles in Thailand. Great Wall Motor unveiled the Ola Good Cat model at the annual Thailand Motor Show, priced at 828,500 baht ($22,600). The company said it plans to produce the model in Thailand in 2024.
In addition to that, Hopewell New Energy Vehicles launched the Hozon Neta in Thailand last month for 549,000 baht ($15,000), which is comparable to the starting price of a conventional internal combustion engine vehicle.
