Thailand to clarify 35% excise tax on EV imports for Japanese carmakers
Ekniti’s November 18–20 Japan roadshow will cover industry support and ways to improve the capabilities of Thai businesses in the automotive parts supply chain.
- Thailand's Finance Minister will explain the details of a new 35% excise tax on fully imported electric vehicles (EVs) to Japanese carmakers during an investment roadshow in Japan.
- The tax, which becomes effective on January 1, 2027, is designed to ensure fair competition for carmakers that have invested in local manufacturing bases and employ Thai workers.
- The clarification will be presented to senior executives from six major Japanese auto companies with manufacturing bases in Thailand, including Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, and Nissan.
Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas said the government would explain the details of its 35% excise tax on fully built imported electric vehicles (EVs) to foreign carmakers that have invested in manufacturing bases in Thailand.
The briefings follow Cabinet approval of the revised tax structure and will include Japanese manufacturers during an investment roadshow in Japan.
He explained that the measure had been drawn up in response to requests from all carmakers that have invested in Thailand.
It aims to ensure fair competition for investors that establish manufacturing bases and employ Thai workers, demonstrating the government’s commitment to supporting businesses that establish production bases and invest in the country.
The measure will take effect on Friday (January 1, 2027), giving automotive businesses time to adjust and manage existing stock.
“This measure is intended to ensure fairness, not only for Japanese investors but also for carmakers operating in Thailand that have invested in manufacturing bases and employed Thai workers. It is about ensuring fairness for them,” Ekniti said.
Reporters said Ekniti would lead the Thai delegation, known as Team Thailand, on the Japan roadshow from November 18 to 20, 2026.
Joining him will be representatives of the Board of Investment (BOI), the industry minister, the permanent secretary at the Ministry of Finance, the director-general of the Customs Department and representatives of the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), comprising the chairs of the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI), the Board of Trade of Thailand and the Thai Bankers’ Association.
More than 40 Thai businesspeople will also take part.
The delegation is scheduled to meet Japanese businesses across several industries, including senior executives from six Japanese carmakers with major manufacturing bases in Thailand: Toyota, Honda, Isuzu, Mitsubishi, Mazda and Nissan.
The meetings will be used to present the Thai government’s plans to support the automotive industry and discuss cooperation to improve the capabilities of Thai businesses in the automotive parts supply chain.
The delegation will also hear the companies’ investment plans, recommendations and approaches to supporting the transition to modern automotive technologies, with the aim of building confidence and strengthening long-term investment cooperation.
