10-3-2024 (BANGKOK) Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin announced on Saturday via his official social media account, X, that he recently engaged in discussions over tea with the executives of Formula E, the organization responsible for orchestrating electric vehicle racing competitions worldwide. According to Thavisin, Formula E expressed keen interest in hosting an electric vehicle (EV) racing event in Thailand.
Officially recognized as the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, the competition originated in Beijing in 2014 and later attained FIA world championship status.
Thavisin noted that Thailand is actively transitioning towards adopting EV cars, with orders for electric vehicles constituting 40% of total car orders since the close of the previous year. “Therefore, I believe bringing the Formula E racing competition to Thailand will not only stimulate the economy and infrastructure development but also align with our commitment to reduce carbon emissions,” he stated.
The Prime Minister revealed that Formula E executives will visit the Chiang Mai region next week to assess the feasibility of hosting the inaugural Formula E competition in Thailand. Thavisin anticipates that the event will enhance Thailand’s image as a regional tourism hub.
Accompanying him in the discussions was Paetongtarn Shinawatra, leader of the ruling Pheu Thai Party and deputy chair of the National Soft Power Strategy Committee.
Additionally, Thavisin disclosed that 12 French companies have shown interest in investing and expanding their operations in various sectors, including hospitality, fashion, and automobiles, within Thailand.
These revelations followed talks between Thavisin and French business leaders in Paris. Among the notable firms mentioned was Accor, a French multinational hospitality company with a significant presence in Thailand. Thavisin shared that Accor is eager to collaborate on tourism initiatives with the government, invest in Thai funds, and construct hotels in the southern border provinces. Discussions also encompassed plans for joint promotional activities to drive sales and tourism.
In a separate meeting with Michelin executives, the French tyre manufacturer expressed interest in Thailand’s potential for the food industry and its commitment to supporting the country’s move towards clean energy. Established in 1987, Michelin (Thailand) currently operates five factories, employing over 8,000 workers and investing more than 40 billion baht. The company plans to expand production capacity and investment in the coming years. Thavisin assured the government’s readiness to support Michelin’s transition to clean energy and emphasized the importance of facilitating a business-friendly environment.
As the company behind the Michelin Guide, which reviews and rates dining establishments globally, Michelin sees potential in Thailand’s food industry and is prepared to assist the country in promoting this sector to attract tourists, Thavisin concluded.
