National—
On April 3rd, 2024, Thai national media reported a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signing ceremony regarding a full-service electric charging station project in the Eastern Economic Corridor between the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), the Office of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECO), and the Thai Department of Energy Business.
The MOU signing occurred on April 1st at the EGAT Head Office, Nonthaburi, with collaboration from EGAT, EECO, and the Department of Energy Business.
Mr. Sarawut Kaewtathip, the director-general of the Department of Energy Business, publicly revealed that the National Electric Vehicle Policy Committee (EV Board) aimed to shift the entire automotive system to an electric automotive industry eventually. Thailand would be an important manufacturing base for electric automotive parts.
A comprehensive electric charging station that could adequately meet the demand in EEC was, however, needed for the shift. Furthermore, the station would be a learning center for youth and people in general who were interested in studying the prototype project by the Thai Ministry of Energy, remarked Sarawut.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chula Sukmanop, the Secretary-General of EECO, publicly stated that this was a crucial step in enhancing and raising the standard in the development of EV charging stations and related industries in the EEC.
It was reported that the EEC was aimed to be a digital business development center that potentially supports investment in research and development of clean-energy bases for the environment and sustainability.
Mr. Thepparat Theppitak, the Governor of EGAT, stated that at present, there are almost 200 charging stations in Thailand that are trusted with their high efficiency and stability resulting in a surging number of electric vehicle users each year.
The three agencies joined forces to develop an EV charging station prototype (EleX by EGAT Eco Charging Sphere) with a full service in EEC, Sriracha, Chonburi. Moreover, there are other facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops, relaxation spaces, and more under the concept of Green Energy at the station. It was estimated that the service would be fully available within 2025.
