Economy
EVAT Urges Government to Review EV Import Taxes
The Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT) has called for a tax structure review to prevent Thailand from becoming merely a low-cost dumping ground for imported electric vehicles.
According to a report by Prachachat Business on August 26, 2026, Suroj Sangsnit, President of the Electric Vehicle Association of Thailand (EVAT), has raised concerns regarding the current state of the domestic EV market. Data from the first seven months of the year indicates that EV sales have surpassed 120,000 units. However, more than 60% of these vehicles are imports.
Suroj expressed apprehension that Thailand risks being viewed primarily as a market for low-cost imported electric vehicles rather than a hub for sustainable automotive manufacturing. To address this, he has urged the government to expedite a review of the import tax structure. The goal of this proposed adjustment is to enhance the competitiveness of Thai entrepreneurs and encourage their deeper integration into the global EV supply chain.
For residents and those living in Thailand, this development is significant as it highlights potential shifts in automotive policy that could influence vehicle pricing, availability, and the growth of the local manufacturing sector. While the call for a tax review has been made, it remains to be confirmed how the government will respond to these requests and whether any specific legislative changes to import duties will be enacted in the near future.