Thailand has mineral resources valued at an estimated 44.41 quadrillion baht (about $1.20 quadrillion), spanning 60 million rai (9.6 million hectares), according to Pichit Sombatmak, director-general of the Mineral Resources Department. The department said the scale of deposits could support development of new industries. Sombatmak’s remarks were made in the context of expanding Thailand’s industrial base.
Extent of deposits and mineral quantities
The country’s mineral deposits are described as extensive, covering about 19% of Thailand’s landmass. The deposits are estimated to comprise approximately 30 trillion tonnes of various minerals. The Mineral Resources Department said these resources could underpin industrial growth and technological advancement.
The department identified lithium and quartz among key minerals. It linked these materials to production needs for modern technologies including solar panels, electric vehicle (EV) battery cells, and electricity storage systems. It also pointed to potash deposits as another major resource category.
Lithium, quartz and potash for technology supply chains
Potash deposits are reported to be found primarily in Thailand’s Northeast. The department said potash can be used to manufacture fertilizers and sodium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. It described sodium-ion batteries as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries based on cost-effectiveness and availability of raw materials.
Thailand’s potash reserves are estimated at 10 billion tonnes across 10 key areas. The reserves are valued at around 161 trillion baht. The department said potash is a crucial raw material for producing sodium-ion batteries.
Sodium-ion battery production timeline and policy direction
The Mineral Resources Department expressed optimism that the government will prioritize sodium-ion battery production within the next five years. The department said this would draw on Thailand’s potash resources. It also indicated that such a focus could support Thailand’s role in the global battery industry.
The department further connected sodium-ion battery development with a transition toward greener energy solutions. It framed the approach as leveraging domestic mineral supply for battery manufacturing priorities. No additional regulatory instruments or implementation details were provided in the material.
Rare mineral prospects across nine provinces
Beyond established deposits, the department identified 30 prospective sites covering 10 million rai. These sites are located in nine provinces and are described as rich in rare and valuable minerals. The department said the prospects could expand Thailand’s mineral base.
Sombatmak said the findings point to untapped potential in Thailand’s mineral wealth and opportunities for economic growth and industrial diversification. The material stated that harnessing these resources could support domestic demand and enable exports of critical minerals and advanced technologies.
Environmental management and economic considerations
The Mineral Resources Department said exploitation and sustainable management of mineral resources could have implications for Thailand’s economy and its position in global markets. It listed considerations including economic diversification through new industries, particularly in green technology and energy storage, alongside reduced dependence on agriculture and tourism.
The department also cited technological advancement through investment in high-tech products such as EV batteries and solar panels. It highlighted environmental and social responsibility as a requirement for environmentally sustainable extraction that minimizes ecological impact while ensuring local communities benefit from mining-related economic opportunities.
In addition, it referenced global competitiveness through capitalizing on mineral resources to attract foreign investment and create jobs in emerging industries. The material did not specify company names, investment figures, or project locations beyond the Northeast for potash and the nine provinces for prospective rare-mineral sites.