Two major lithium deposits in Phangnga are confirmed by a Thai geochemistry expert to have a higher content of lithium than many other key deposits in the world.
This conclusion supports the government's ambitious plan to make Thailand a hub for producing electric vehicles and parts.
Asst Prof Alongkot Fanka, a petrology and geochemistry expert at Chulalongkorn University, said that the lithium sites in the southern province are two of the world's most abundant deposits in terms of lithium-bearing minerals.
The average lithium content found in Phangnga is about 0.4%, which is considered better than counterparts found in other parts of the world, he said.
Asst Prof Alongkot said lithium deposits come from the crystallisation of magma on the Earth's crust and are related to granite -- commonly found in the South.
He added that the lithium deposits in Phangnga are also associated with tin deposits in the area.
His finding backs a statement made by the Ministry of Industry that Thailand's lithium deposits have good potential to serve the government's plan of making the country a hub to make electric vehicles and parts.
Previously, on Jan 3, Aditad Vasinonta, acting deputy director-general of the Department of Primary Industries and Mines, said that the department had granted a license for lithium exploration in three sites in Takua Thung district of Phangnga.
In one exploration site called Ruangkiat, at least 14.8 million tonnes of lithium (with 0.45% lithium oxide) were found. In another exploration site called Bang Etu, an estimation of the lithium volume was in progress, according to Mr Aditad.
If granted a lithium-mining licence, the Ruangkiat site alone would be able to serve at least 1 million electric vehicles that use a 50kWh lithium battery, he said.
"As the government is trying to attract new EV manufacturers to come and build their production base in Thailand, plenty of lithium sources will help make the government's bid highly likely to be successful," he said.
Mr Aditad said that the department is speeding up the process for lithium exploration and is looking forward to granting new lithium mining licences as soon as possible.