Rayong, Thailand—On May 16, Changan Automobile, an auto giant in Chongqing, officially launched operations at its new energy vehicle (NEV) manufacturing plant in Rayong.

The first right-hand drive version of the Deepal S05 was rolled off the production line and delivered, marking the milestone of Changan’s cumulative global production reaching 28.59 million vehicles.

At the launching ceremony, Zhu Huarong, Chairman of Changan, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to its “In Thailand, For Thailand” strategy. He announced that Changan will introduce 12 new NEV models to the Thai market over the next three years and provide cutting-edge technologies such as AI and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to Thai consumers.

The ceremony drew a large crowd, including Chinese representatives as well as numerous Thai government officials, business leaders, and media. It was held inside the spacious workshop. Phase I of the factory has an annual production capacity of 100,000 vehicles. The right-hand-drive Deepal S05—officially rolled out and delivered during today’s ceremony— was on the production line.

Following the ceremony, Zhu told Thai media that Changan plans to invest 30 billion Baht (approx. USD 900 million) in Thailand, covering manufacturing, R&D, and after-sales services. The company will also introduce its ecosystem of partners to accelerate the transition of Thailand’s automotive industry toward NEVs and smart mobility. Changan aims to make Thailand a strategic hub for right-hand-drive markets globally.

Thai automotive media and local residents also expressed their expectations for Changan and shared observations on the presence of Chinese NEV brands in Thailand.

Poukhem Nosavan, Editor of AutoinfoOnline, said he looks forward to seeing models produced at Changan Rayong Factory bring high-quality and affordable options to Thai consumers. Rayong residents such as BoonChai Jompitsuwan noted that the number of Chinese electric vehicles in Thailand is increasing, with brands like Changan, BYD, and GWM seen on the roads.