A line of vintage cars. Photo by VnExpress/Giang Huy
Thailand will begin imposing a 45% tax on imported vintage cars in fiscal year 2026, a move expected to generate an additional THB1-2 billion (US$31.4-62.9 million) annually for the government.
The new regulations will also restrict the use of these vehicles to Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, though exemptions for special events may be granted with police permission.
According to Kulaya Tantitemit, director-general of the Thai Excise Department, the tax is intended to position Thailand as a hub for vintage car exhibitions and to bolster the domestic car restoration industry.
Kulaya stated that this tax will apply exclusively to vintage cars imported. Initial conditions require a vehicle to be at least 30 years old, but the country may announce specific models and use international reference prices in the future.
The director-general confirmed that the tax will not apply to vintage motorbikes or cars already in Thailand.
The announcement comes as the department expects to exceed its revenue target for the current fiscal year. For the first 11 months of fiscal year 2025, the department collected THB489 billion, a 1.6% increase from the previous year.
