Hyper-competition in China's electric vehicle sector is spilling over to its biggest market in Asia, Thailand, as smaller players struggle to compete with dominant BYD, putting ambitious local production plans at risk.
Electric vehicles inside BYD's factory in Rayong, Thailand. (Photo: Reuters/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) - Hyper-competition in China's electric vehicle sector is spilling over to its biggest market in Asia, Thailand, as smaller players struggle to compete with dom🌳inant BYD, putting ambitious local production plans at risk.
Neta, among the earliest Chinese EV brands to enter Thailand in 2022, is an example of a struggling automaker finding it difficult to meet the requirements of a demanding government incentive programme meant to boost Thai EV production.
Under the scheme, carmakers are exempt from import duties, but were obligated to match import volumes with domestic production in 2024.
Citing slowing sales and tightening credit conditions, carmakers asked the government to adjust the scheme and the 2024 production shortfall was rolled over into this year.
Neta has said that it cannot produce the required number of cars locally and the Thai government has withheld some payments to the EV maker, according to the Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance of Thailand./.
Under the agreement, BCA will offer flexible credit packages to VinFast’s network of dealers in Indonesia. The financial support will help dealers purchase VinFast electric vehicles and genuine parts, with tailored credit limits for regular purchases, peak season needs, and bulk transactions.
The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
The US decided to keep unchanged tariff rates on certain countries in Southeast Asia, such as 32% for Indonesia and 36% for Thailand, effective from August 1. Malaysia faces a 25% rate, up from the 24% that the US threatened in April.
Since initiating the Doi Moi (Renewal) reforms in 1986, Vietnam has maintained strong momentum. In 2024, the country posted a GDP growth rate of 7.09%, placing it among the fastest-growing economies globally. Forecasts suggest it could join the world’s top 20 economies by 2029.
MITI said the decision to impose the duties, in the form of a bank guarantee and ranging from 3.86 to 57.90%, was made after preliminary investigations found sufficient evidence that these imports were brought into Malaysia at dumped prices.
The launching of the WebD platform is part of its efforts to combat illegal websites in Thailand. The platform uses AI technology to streamline the process of identifying and blocking illegal URLs, improving the speed and efficiency of the operation.
The new Thai Labour Minister's five policies include equipping Thai workers with AI skills by focusing on developing AI curricula aligned with the manufacturing and service sectors and providing all worker groups with skill training through cross-sector collaborations.
Laos is home to over 500 fish species, which play a vital role in maintaining the country's ecological balance and represent an important part of its natural heritage. Each year, nationwide activities are held to raise public awareness, especially among young people, about the importance of conserving aquatic life and protecting ecosystems.
Mount Lewotobi, standing at 1,584 metres, last erupted in November 2024, claiming nine lives and displacing thousands. It is one of Indonesia’s 127 active volcanoes, as the country lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” a region known for intense tectonic and volcanic activity.
Ambassador Binh and other representatives highly appreciated the role of the ASEAN Chair - Malaysia - in coordinating and leading ASEAN cooperation to achieve many advances, gradually concretising the orientation of "inclusivity and sustainability".
Thailand’s Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM) has issued an urgent weather alert for 33 provinces across the North, Northeast, Central and South, warning of flash floods, forest runoff, landslides and rising water levels in major rivers, particularly the Mekong, between July 6 and 12.
The project is a collaboration between the Navaminda Kasatriyadhiraj Royal Air Force Academy, the Directorate of Armament of the RTAF and the RTAF's Research and Development Centre for Space and Aeronautical Science and Technology.
The Japanese Government hopes that the transfer of used destroyers to the Philippines will qualify as a form of defence cooperation, as the ships would be modified to meet the specific operational needs of the Philippine side.
In its article published on July 6, Reporte Asia stated that Vietnam has held key international roles, including ASEAN Chair in 1998, 2010, and 2020; the host of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forums in 2006 and 2017; and the member of the UN Human Rights Council in 2014–2016 and 2023–2025, demonstrating its commitment to dialogue and joint problem-solving.
Malaysia’s Foreign Ministry Secretary-General Datuk Seri Amran Mohamed Zin said the measure reflects ASEAN’s continued efforts to strengthen global commitment to the principle of nuclear non-proliferation and to make Southeast Asia a fully nuclear weapon-free zone.
The piece praised the dynamic momentum of the Vietnam – Brazil relationship, describing it as a vibrant symbol of South–South cooperation in an increasingly multipolar and competitive world.
According to the Brazilian government-run Planalto news site, during their talks on July 5 (local time), PM Chinh and President Lula da Silva celebrated the excellent status of the bilateral relations as well as the progress made since the latter’s state visit to Hanoi last April.
With a vibrant economy, a population nearing 100 million, and deep integration into global supply chains, Vietnam brings to Brazil the story of a nation that has evolved from isolation to becoming a trusted and active participant in shaping multilateral frameworks.
The primary consideration for granting visa-free entry to Brazil and Turkey is reciprocity, as both countries already offer visa-free entry to Indonesian citizens.
This is considered the second largest cumulative penalty imposed by MAS for breaches related to anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism.
The sharp rise has raised concerns over a potentially severe forest and land fire season in one of Indonesia’s wildfire-prone regions over the past decade.
