Thailand Advances 'Old-for-New' Vehicle Scheme Targeting Taxis and Motorcycles

According to a report by Prachachat Business on August 18, 2026, Ekniti Nitithanprapas, a senior official at the Ministry of Finance, has confirmed that the government is proceeding with the 'Old-for-New' vehicle exchange program. The initiative is specifically designed to assist taxi drivers and motorcycle operators in transitioning to domestically produced electric vehicles (EVs) or hybrid models.

Internal sources suggest that the government is planning to utilize a 200-billion-baht loan fund to provide financial support, primarily by reducing down payment requirements for these vehicle categories. This effort is part of a broader national strategy to facilitate an energy transition within the transport sector.

For residents and travelers in Thailand, this policy could eventually lead to a more modern and environmentally friendly public transport fleet. However, the program is still in the development phase. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance has been tasked with finalizing the specific details of the implementation. As of now, the exact timeline for the rollout, the specific eligibility criteria for applicants, and the final structure of the financial subsidies remain to be confirmed by the authorities.