Thailand is exploring the possibility of importing rare earth minerals from Kazakhstan to strengthen its electric vehicle (EV) industry.
The move forms part of a broader push to diversify supply chains and deepen economic ties with Central Asia, Foreign Affairs Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said.
Speaking after meetings with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and senior officials during his official visit to Kazakhstan, Mr Sihasak said on Friday that cooperation in energy and critical minerals had emerged as one of the most promising areas for bilateral collaboration.
He said Thailand sees opportunities to import raw materials for the plastics industry, but the priority is securing access to rare earth elements, which are essential for EV production, particularly batteries and high-performance magnets, as Thailand seeks to strengthen its competitiveness in the fast-growing industry.
Rare earth elements are indispensable components in a wide range of advanced technologies, including smartphones, fibre-optic systems and navigation equipment. Global supply, however, remains heavily concentrated in China, prompting many countries to seek alternative sources to improve supply-chain resilience.
Kazakhstan has emerged as a potential new supplier. The Central Asian nation has identified around 15 rare earth deposits, a statement from the Thai Embassy in Astana said.
The country has also announced a major new deposit in the Karagandy region, estimated to contain up to 20 million tonnes of rare earth resources, although the figure has yet to be fully verified through further exploration.
The Kazakh government has been actively courting foreign investment to develop the sector, signing cooperation agreements with countries including France, Germany and South Korea.
While commercial production is still expected to take years due to the high costs, technical complexity, and environmental challenges associated with rare earth mining, Mr Tokayev has described the sector as Kazakhstan's potential "new oil" that could reshape the country's economy.
Mr Sihasak said expanding engagement with Kazakhstan forms part of Thailand's economic diplomacy strategy to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on traditional partners such as the United States and Europe, where businesses face growing tariff barriers and other trade restrictions.
He said Thailand and Kazakhstan have also agreed to elevate their relationship to a strategic partnership, reflecting their respective roles as regional hubs in Southeast Asia and Central Asia, and their shared support for international cooperation, peace, and free trade amid growing global uncertainty.
The minister also highlighted Kazakhstan's strategic location along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, or Middle Corridor, which could provide Thai businesses with improved access to markets in Central Asia, Russia and Europe.
Thai companies have shown strong interest in investing in Kazakhstan, particularly in food manufacturing, using the country as a production and distribution base for the wider region, he said, adding that Thailand also sees growing opportunities for its hotel, spa and wellness industries as Kazakhstan's purchasing power continues to rise.
Mr Sihasak's four-day visit, which ended on Friday, also included signing a joint action plan between the two foreign ministries and attending the Thailand–Kazakhstan Business Forum in Almaty with representatives from 11 Thai firms.
