PRIME MINISTER Srettha Thavisin arrived at Government House in a Tesla Model Y crossover electric SUV this morning (Oct. 16) and told reporters he will be flying to the US to hold talks with Tesla Inc. on possibly investing in Thailand next month, Naewna newspaper said.
Srettha said he rode a Tesla to work to please the company by showing his family owns an electric vehicle (EV) they produce.
EVs not only help the environment but are also suitable for Thailand’s climate, he said, adding that this vehicle drives smoothly and accelerates well.
He also found that it is easier for a tall person like himself to get out of the vehicle.
With Thailand being the region’s main auto manufacturing hub and Chinese carmakers now manufacturing EVs here, it is the government’s duty to invite Tesla to likewise invest in Thailand.
Asked whether he will be offering Tesla extra incentives to come to Thailand, Srettha replied that the offer is the same for all parties but Thailand’s offer is better than neighbouring countries.
He added that he will also be holding talks with Chinese EV manufacturers while visiting China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation during Oct.16-19, 2023, with his flight taking off this afternoon.
Meanwhile the Cabinet today approved a flat train fare of 20 baht for mass rapid transit (MRT) Red Line (Taling Chan-Rangsit, 13 stations) and Purple Line (Bang Sue – Khlong Bang Phai, 16 stations) with an annual subsidy of 130 million baht to be used to cap the rate.
Currently fares for these two lines range from 14 to 42 baht.
CAPTIONS:
Top and Front Page: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the white Tesla Model Y SUV he rode to Government House today, Oct. 16, 2023. Photo: Naewna
Insert: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin holding a video conference with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. and SpaceX, while visiting the US to attend the 78th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA78) during Sept. 18-24 2023. Photo: Mitchon
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