Initial reports suggested Thailand had the world's third-largest lithium reserves, but the department clarified that the resources are actually lepidolite—a mineral containing 0.45% lithium—which is commercially viable for lithium-ion battery production.

Exploration for additional lithium deposits is ongoing in various provinces, with current concessions in three Phang-nga locations.

Accelerated exploration efforts aim to bolster Thailand's aspirations to be a hub for lithium-ion battery and electric vehicle (EV) production.

Professor Dr. Jessada Denduangboripant from Chulalongkorn University noted potential misunderstandings about Deputy Government Spokesperson Radklao Inthawong Suwankiri's statement, which pertained to the estimated pegmatite, not pure lithium.

He estimated that the deposits could yield 60,000-70,000 tonnes of lithium—enough for around one million EVs.

Despite these findings, Thailand trails behind the leading lithium producers, with Bolivia and Argentina at the top, followed by Chile, Australia, and China.