Economy
Thai Chamber of Commerce Urges EV Policy Focus on Local Manufacturing
The Thai Chamber of Commerce supports new EV excise tax adjustments aimed at prioritizing local production and supply chain development.
On September 10, 2026, the National EV Board approved principles for restructuring excise taxes on electric vehicles. According to Khaosod Online, the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) has expressed support for this move, which intends to lower tax rates for vehicles with high local content while increasing taxes on fully imported units.
Mr. Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the TCC, stated that this policy aims to transform Thailand from a mere consumer market into a robust manufacturing and export hub for future automotive technology. The TCC emphasizes that incentives should be tied directly to local investment, job creation, and technology transfer. Furthermore, the Chamber has urged the government to protect Thailand’s existing automotive strengths, particularly the pickup truck sector, which remains a national product champion, alongside local parts manufacturers and SMEs.
For residents and those involved in the local economy, this shift suggests a potential strengthening of the domestic automotive supply chain. However, several details remain to be confirmed. The government has yet to finalize specific requirements regarding the exact ratios for 'Local Content' and 'Thai Content.' Additionally, the specific caps on imported Completely Built-Up (CBU) vehicles and the precise criteria for allocating investment benefits are still under development. Stakeholders are awaiting further regulatory clarity to understand how these measures will impact market competition and vehicle availability.
