The Thai government has rejected calls from its ailing local car industry to cut taxes and guarantee payments in an attempt to boost domestic market sales.

Discover B2B Marketing That Performs

Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.

Find out more


Car sales in Thailand plunged nearly 30% year-on-year in January, the eighth consecutive month of decline, leading industry figures to appeal to the government for help, Agence France-Presse (AFP) reported.


The Federation of Thai Industries requested a 3% reduction in excise tax, but not more than THB15,000 (US$430) across all models, individual tax rebates and a guarantee for down payments made on new vehicles but prime minister Abhisit Vejjajiva said there was no guarantee the measures would prop up sales.


“The auto industry’s requests… are not the most suitable measures and they would affect other industries,” Abhisit told AFP.


“The government will ask the Bank of Thailand and finance ministry to look into providing loans for car purchases,” he added.

GlobalData Strategic Intelligence

US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?

Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.

By GlobalData

Just Auto Excellence Awards - The Benefits of Entering

Gain the recognition you deserve! The Just Auto Excellence Awards celebrate innovation, leadership, and impact. By entering, you showcase your achievements, elevate your industry profile, and position yourself among top leaders driving automotive industry advancements. Don’t miss your chance to stand out—submit your entry today!

Nominate Now