China's leading electric vehicle manufacturer, BYD, has opened its first factory in Southeast Asia in Thailand, tapping into the region's booming EV market. The move comes as part of a wave of Chinese investment in Thailand, with over $1.44 billion being poured into the industry. Thailand aims to transition 30% of its annual vehicle production to EVs by 2030, making it an attractive market for BYD. This new facility, with a production capacity of 150,000 vehicles per year, will not only cater to the local market but also serve as an export hub for the ASEAN region and beyond. BYD's expansion plans also include setting up a production base in Europe to circumvent tariffs imposed on Chinese-made EVs. With their strong foothold in Thailand and strategic global expansion, BYD is positioning itself as a key player in the rapidly evolving EV industry.