In brief
The Thai cabinet approved a hike in the excise tax on fully imported electric vehicles, raising the rate for battery‑electric models from 10% to 35% and for range‑extended models from 15% to 35%, beginning 1 January 2027. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the move is intended to strengthen the local production chain, create jobs, and position Thailand as a regional green‑vehicle hub.
Thailand announced that it will raise the excise tax on imported battery‑electric vehicles (BEVs) and range‑extended electric vehicles (REEVs) to 35% from 1 January 2027, a decision confirmed by the government on Thursday and reported by Xinhua.
The cabinet approved the change at a meeting in Udon Thani, the Xinhua report said, noting that the new rate will replace the current 10% for BEVs and 15% for REEVs.
Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, said the cabinet’s goal was to strengthen Thailand’s production chain, create jobs for Thai workers and upgrade their skills, positioning the country as a regional and global hub for green vehicle manufacturing.
A Thai Rain article on thairath.co.th also confirmed the cabinet’s ruling, adding that the government hopes to level the playing field for Thai‑built cars and attract investment in local EV production.
The KAOHOON International economics page reported that Mr. Ekniti disclosed the new excise rates would rise from 10% to 35% for BEVs, and the corresponding increase for REEVs was also mentioned, as part of a broader strategy to safeguard the domestic supply chain.