Thailand's electric vehicle battery industry got a charge last month with the discovery of two large lithium deposits in southern Thailand that contain high concentrations of the mineral surpassing those found in most other countries, according to a Thai geochemist.

Alongkot Fanka, an assistant professor of geochemistry at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, said the new finds are among the world's richest deposits of lithium-based minerals. The average lithium content discovered in Phang Nga, on the southern Thai isthmus, is approximately 0.4 percent, which he said is superior to equivalent deposits in other countries.

The deposits could prove to be an asset in spurring investment in the electric vehicle (EV) industry in the Kingdom now that the raw material for batteries will become more readily available locally. Battery manufacturing is an essential part of the electric vehicle manufacturing supply chain.

"As the government is attempting to lure new EV manufacturers to establish their production base in Thailand, the abundance of lithium sources will significantly increase the likelihood of the government's bid being successful," Alongkot said.

But it should also benefit other industries that are battery-powered.

Furthermore, it will reduce reliance on other countries for the mineral and also make Thailand a source for industries seeking lithium for manufacturing. Currently, China has the world's largest lithium deposits, with Australia following behind.

The Department of Primary Industries and Mines has been exploring the deposits at three locations in the southern province.

At the first exploration site, the department said a minimum of 14.8 million tons of lithium was discovered, with a lithium oxide content of 0.45 percent. Lithium volume estimation at another exploration site is ongoing.