Thailand will lift excise taxes on fully imported electric cars from 10 percent to 35 percent beginning in 2027 to shield local industry and curb reliance on foreign production. Meanwhile, domestically assembled electric vehicles will retain a favored 2 percent excise rate to support the country's target of 30 percent zero-emission output by 2030. The adjustment addresses a lopsided market where imports generated nearly 70 percent of EV sales through early 2026, dominated by Chinese shipments. Experts anticipate the shift could prompt pre-deadline vehicle hoarding followed by potential market departures from brands unable to manufacture locally.
Key points
The tax revision is structured to force foreign automakers into building local assembly p…: The tax revision is structured to force foreign automakers into building local assembly plants and utilizing Thai component suppliers.
Thailand aims to ensure that zero-emission vehicles constitute at least 30 percent of its…: Thailand aims to ensure that zero-emission vehicles constitute at least 30 percent of its total domestic vehicle manufacturing by 2030.
Analysts warn the tax hike may trigger consumer rushes, post-deadline sales drops, and ma…: Analysts warn the tax hike may trigger consumer rushes, post-deadline sales drops, and market exits by carmakers unwilling to invest locally.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Thailand is sharply increasing taxes on imported electric vehicles to encourage domestic manufacturing and protect its established automotive industry. But the policy could raise prices and narrow consumer choice, experts said.
BANGKOK: During his long days driving through Bangkok's congested streets, 66-year-old ride-hailing driver Pichai Phungmai is counting every cost.
The former interior decorator has been working for Grab for the past eight months. To keep costs down as fuel prices rocketed this year, he converted his Toyota Altis to run on gas rather than petrol, bringing down his daily bill down to between 200 baht and 300 baht (US$6 - US$9).
Now, Pichai is considering an upgrade to an electric vehicle (EV), attracted by their performance, comfort and appearance, as well as the prospect of lower running costs.
They have also become relatively affordable to buy, with many popular models priced between 500,000 baht and 900,000 baht, helped by government subsidies aimed at encouraging the adoption of cleaner vehicles.
But that could soon change.
Thailand is changing the rules of its electric vehicle transition and plans a steep tax…
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