Thai Electric Vehicle Association Seeks Balanced EV Import Duty Policy

EVAT Clarifies Position On CBU EV Import Duties

Announced on August 20, 2026, through a social media post, the Thai Electric Vehicle Association clarified its position on the restructuring of import duties for completely built-up (CBU) electric vehicles. The association said it remains engaged in discussions with government agencies and is still preparing its proposal in consultation with member companies. Its position comes as Thailand considers changes to the tax framework affecting imported EVs and the wider automotive industry, with the association emphasizing that any restructuring should consider both near-term market conditions and the country's longer-term industrial development objectives.

Industry Associations Seek A Comprehensive Tax Package

The association said it continues to support the principles previously announced jointly with 10 industry associations. It argued that any changes to taxation should be considered as a comprehensive package rather than as an isolated adjustment to import duties. According to the association, the framework should balance support for domestic manufacturing, competitiveness and fairness for companies that have invested in Thailand and established production bases. This position reflects concern that changes to CBU EV taxation could affect the competitive environment between imported vehicles and manufacturers with established local operations.

Focus On Local Manufacturing And Technology

EVAT also expressed support for measures intended to protect Thailand's automotive industry while encouraging further investment and increasing the use of locally produced components. The association linked these objectives to technological sovereignty, indicating that policy should help strengthen domestic industrial capabilities rather than focus only on vehicle sales. Its position places greater emphasis on the development of local manufacturing, supplier participation and technology capabilities as Thailand continues to build its position as an important automotive production base in the region.

EV Market Growth Should Support Domestic Industry

The association further reaffirmed that Thailand should not become merely a market for low-cost EV consumption. Instead, its stated position supports an automotive ecosystem in which EV demand contributes to investment, manufacturing activity and the development of local capabilities. This distinction is significant as competition from imported electric vehicles increases and policymakers consider how tax structures can encourage industrial value creation. The association's comments therefore connect EV import-duty policy with broader questions surrounding Thailand's manufacturing competitiveness and future automotive strategy.

Proposal Remains Under Government And Industry Consultation

The ongoing discussions indicate that the final direction of import-duty restructuring has not yet been established by the association's proposal. EVAT said it is still compiling its recommendations with member companies and coordinating with government agencies, meaning the details of any proposed package remain subject to further consultation. For companies operating in Thailand, the eventual framework could influence decisions related to local production, sourcing, investment and market positioning, particularly where imported CBU EVs compete directly with vehicles produced within the country.

Potential Impact On Thailand's Automotive Strategy

Overall, the association's position calls for a balanced policy approach that protects the competitiveness of Thailand's established automotive industry while continuing to encourage EV investment and technology development. By supporting locally produced parts, domestic manufacturing and technological sovereignty, the association is seeking a framework that goes beyond short-term consumer pricing. The outcome of the ongoing discussions will depend on how government agencies and industry participants reconcile EV adoption with the need to maintain a strong and sustainable domestic automotive manufacturing base.

Frequently Asked Questions

The proposed restructuring of CBU EV import duties remains under consultation, with industry participants seeking a framework that balances EV adoption, domestic manufacturing, investment and competitive fairness. The association's current position emphasizes that tax policy should support the broader automotive ecosystem rather than encourage only low-cost imported EV consumption. Its recommendations are still being compiled with member companies and discussed with government agencies, so the final structure and implementation details have not yet been established.

What is the Thai Electric Vehicle Association's position on CBU EV import duties?
The association supports a comprehensive tax package that balances EV market development with domestic manufacturing and competitive fairness. It believes import-duty measures should consider companies that have invested in local production and established manufacturing operations. The association also supports increased use of locally produced parts and stronger technological capabilities. Rather than focusing exclusively on imported vehicle pricing, its position links tax policy with Thailand's broader industrial strategy and the long-term competitiveness of the automotive manufacturing ecosystem.

Why does the association support locally produced EV components?
Local component production can strengthen domestic manufacturing capabilities, encourage investment and increase the industrial value generated by EV demand. The association's position connects greater use of locally produced parts with technological sovereignty and a stronger automotive supply base. This approach is intended to ensure that the growth of electric vehicles contributes to manufacturing and technology development rather than creating an environment dominated solely by imported vehicles. The objective is to support a sustainable automotive ecosystem with deeper domestic participation.

Has the final EV import-duty restructuring been decided?
No, the association indicated that its proposal is still being compiled in consultation with member companies and discussed with government agencies. This means the final structure of any revised import-duty or tax package has not yet been established through the association's ongoing process. Further discussions are expected to determine how policymakers can balance support for domestic manufacturing, competitiveness, investment and EV adoption. Companies operating in the market will therefore need to follow subsequent government and industry developments before assessing the definitive impact on imported CBU electric vehicles.