Educational Information Only
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Importing a Car to Thailand: Rules, Tax, and Procedure
Car import to Thailand is heavily regulated and taxed. New cars face import duty (commonly 80%) + excise + VAT; used cars require permit and face stricter restrictions. This guide explains the categories and process.
TL;DR
Importing a car to Thailand is heavily regulated under the Customs Act B.E. 2560, Excise Act B.E. 2560, and Ministry of Commerce notifications. New cars face import duty (commonly 80%), excise tax (varies by CC and CO2), VAT (7%), and Interior tax — combined effective rate commonly 150-300% of CIF. Used cars require Ministry of Commerce import permit and are restricted to specific exceptions (relocations, embassy, etc.).
Categories
| Category | Allowed | Tax burden |
|---|---|---|
| New car import | Yes — paid commercial | ~150-300% CIF |
| Used car import (personal relocation) | Strict eligibility | Same tax + permit |
| Used car commercial | Largely restricted | n/a |
| Embassy / diplomatic | Tax-free | n/a |
Personal Relocation Path
- Eligibility: returning Thai national or work-permit holder relocating with at least 12 months' overseas residence.
- Pre-approval from Ministry of Commerce Department of Foreign Trade.
- Shipping + customs clearance.
- Tax payment at Customs.
- DLT registration with Thai-format plates.
Common Mistakes
- Underestimating the total tax — commonly 2-3x CIF.
- Importing without DFT permit.
- Missing the 12-month overseas-ownership eligibility.
- Buying a non-Euro-5/6 model — emissions rules block registration.
FAQs
1. Cheaper to buy locally?
Almost always yes — Thai-built or BOI-promoted local cars dominate cost-effectiveness.
2. Can BOI promote my car import?
Specific BOI categories (executive expat relocation) exist but are narrow.
Related Reading
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