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Thailand widens EV perks as Japan-China auto rivalry heats up

Observers say the latest policy enhancement aims in part to placate non-Chinese players in the market

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    • The BYD Seal 5 at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show. Last December, Thailand’s National EV Board, chaired by the prime minister, announced a new package of tax incentives and regulations to promote more local production of HEVs, PHEVs and MHEVs.
    • The BYD Seal 5 at the 2025 Bangkok International Motor Show. Last December, Thailand’s National EV Board, chaired by the prime minister, announced a new package of tax incentives and regulations to promote more local production of HEVs, PHEVs and MHEVs. PHOTO: AFP

    Peter Janssen

    Published Mon, May 26, 2025 · 05:00 AM

    [BANGKOK] With Thailand’s auto sales plunging by more than 25 per cent amid geopolitical headwinds and regional rivals nipping at its heels, Bangkok is racing to secure its status as South-east Asia’s electric vehicle (EV) hub – rolling out broader tax incentives to keep both Chinese and Japanese carmakers onside.

    The Thai government recently sweetened the pot of tax and other incentives to cover all types of EVs, including hybrid EVs (HEVs), plug-in hybrid EVs (PHEVs), and mild hybrid EVs (MHEVs).

    Observers said the latest policy enhancement that cover a wide range of electric and hybrid vehicles – known as xEV – is intended in part to placate non-Chinese players in the market, particularly Japan’s auto giants.

    ThailandElectric vehicles

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