Tesla Signals Launch in Thailand With Job Openings

A model promotes the Tesla Model Y electric car at the Bangkok International Motor Show in Bangkok, Thailand on March 24, 2022. (Lillian Suwanrumpha/AFP via Getty Images)

Tesla has launched a recruitment drive in Thailand, its website shows, signaling an expansion of the American electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing company in the Southeast Asia automotive hub.

Tesla advertised 16 Bangkok-based job postings on its website on Monday, offering job roles such as home-charging developer, service manager, parts advisor, delivery operations advisor, and vehicle technician.

Tesla’s entry into Thailand is aligned with the government’s goal to boost the use of EVs in the country and produce 725,000 EVs annually by 2030.

Thailand announced new incentives for EVs in March, which include EV retail price subsidies and tax exemptions. The country registered 5,781 new EVs last year, including 3,673 electric motorbikes, according to local reports.

Tesla registered as a company in Thailand in May with a capital of 3 million baht ($82,200). The U.S.-based EV maker initially targeted the Indian market, but the plan was put on hold due to India’s import duties on fully imported cars.

Thailand is Asia’s fourth-largest auto assembly and export hub for companies like Toyota and Honda. It produces about 1.5 million to 2 million vehicles annually, of which about half are exported.

Thailand is not expected to be a production site for Tesla for now, though the government has been promoting sales of EVs, and there is speculation the company might set up official showrooms.

Indonesia’s Tesla Push

Meanwhile, Indonesian President Joko Widodo had urged Tesla to manufacture its cars and batteries in Indonesia as he seeks to boost the production of EVs by 2030. Indonesia was also considering imposing a tax on nickel exports to boost revenue.

Tesla also signed a five-year contract with nickel processing companies in Indonesia last month, which is worth about $5 billion. The nickel materials will be used in Tesla’s lithium batteries.

Reuters contributed to this report.