Thailand raises tax on fully imported EVs to 35%, finance minister says - Bangkok Post

Crowds throng Impact Challenger Hall in Nonthaburi province to explore the latest automotive models, including EVs, at last year’s Motor Expo. (Photo: Motor Expo) ⁠Thailand's ​cabinet ​on ‌Tuesday approved an increase in the excise tax ​on ⁠fully imported electric vehicles (EVs) to ‌35% from 10%, Finance ⁠Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said, part of a new tiered tax structure ​aimed at encouraging investment ​and local ‌production.

The tax rate is slated to rise from Jan 1, 2027, according to reports.

The government's plan to raise excise taxes on completely built-up (CBU) EVs imported without a manufacturing base in Thailand has two main objectives. They include protecting investors who have already invested in manufacturing plants and supply chains in Thailand and encouraging automakers that still rely on imports to accelerate negotiations with the government to establish local production facilities.

Thailand is a ​major ⁠regional production and ⁠export hub for car manufacturers, such as ⁠BYD (Build Your Dreams) ​and Toyota Motor.

The country registered 22,587 new EVs and electric motorcycles in September 2026, up 89.7% from a year earlier, according to the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), citing statistics from the Department of Land Transport.

Passenger EVs alone reached 19,425 units, a 98.6% year-on-year jump.

During the first nine months of this year, total EV registrations hit 191,273 units, an 83% increase over the same period in 2025, with electric passenger cars accounting for 167,789 of the total.

The FTI expects full-year 2026 registrations to reach between 200,000 and 220,000, compared with roughly 120,000 in 2025.

For charging infrastructure, Thailand had 5,021 charging locations with 15,290 connectors nationwide as of the end of September.