Thailand Plans to Reform Excise Tax System to Increase Revenue
Excise tax is one of the principal sources of revenue for the Thai Government (“Government”). For fiscal year 2026 (B.E. 2569), the Government has set a target to collect approximately THB 578.2 billion in excise tax revenue.
In the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 (October 2025 – January 2026), excise tax collection was in total amount of THB 191.3 billion, exceeding the Government’s projection by THB 8.3 billion. The higher-than-expected revenue was largely driven by strong domestic consumption and increased spending during the year-end tourism season and the New Year holidays.
To further strengthen fiscal revenue for fiscal year 2026, the Government is considering several reforms to Thailand’s excise tax system.
Plan to Increase Excise Tax Revenue
The Ministry of Finance aims to increase excise tax revenue by approximately 7.6% through several policy measures, including:
- restructuring the excise tax framework;
- adjusting tax rates for certain goods and services; and
- improving tax administration and enforcement.
The Excise Department has conducted policy studies and is expected to submit the proposed reform plan to the Cabinet for consideration soon.
Proposed Reform of Cigarette Excise Tax
Thailand currently applies a two-tier excise tax system for cigarettes, consisting of the following components:
1. Ad Valorem Tax (Based on Retail Price)
- 25% for cigarettes priced at not more than THB 72 per pack
- 42% for cigarettes priced above THB 72 per pack
2. Specific Tax (Based on Quantity)
- THB 1.25 per cigarette (approximately THB 25 per pack)
According to studies conducted by the Fiscal Policy Office, the current two-tier system has reduced government revenue because cigarette manufacturers often maintain retail prices below the THB 72 threshold in order to benefit from the lower tax rate.
To address this issue, the Excise Department is considering the introduction of a single-tier tax rate, under which cigarettes would be taxed at the same rate regardless of retail price. This approach is expected to reduce price distortions and improve tax collection efficiency.
The Excise Department has requested legal clarification from the Council of State regarding whether the proposed tax structure can be implemented. Further progress will likely depend on the policy direction of the new government.
Automobile Excise Tax Changes
The Government has revised the automobile excise tax framework, with tax rates varying depending on the type of vehicle and its environmental performance. The new tax structure came into effect on 1 January 2026.
Under the revised framework, the excise tax rate is determined primarily based on carbon dioxide (“CO₂”) emission levels, replacing the previous approach that focused mainly on engine displacement (cc). As a result, certain vehicle categories are now subject to higher tax rates compared with those applied in 2025.
Key changes include:
- Internal combustion engine vehicles (“ICE”) with CO₂ emissions of 100 g/km: the tax rate increased from 12% to 13%.
- ICE vehicles with engines exceeding 3.0 liters, such as luxury cars and supercars: the tax rate increased from 40% to 50%.
- Hybrid electric vehicles (“HEV”) with CO₂ emissions not exceeding 100 g/km: the tax rate increased from 4% to 6%.
- HEV with CO₂ emissions between 101–120 g/km: the tax rate increased from 8% to 9%.
- HEV with CO₂ emissions between 121–150 g/km: the tax rate increased from 8% to 14%.
- Electric pickup trucks, which were previously exempt from excise tax, are now subject to 2% tax rate.
As a result of this policy shift, the excise tax rate for vehicles in the eco-car segment has increased from 12% to approximately 13–34%, depending on emission levels.
The Government also plans to gradually increase automobile excise tax rates in two additional phases, during 2028–2029 and again in 2030, as part of its long-term environmental and fiscal policy.
Automobile excise tax collection in the first quarter of fiscal year 2026 increased partly because manufacturers and consumers accelerated vehicle purchases ahead of the tax increase. Following the implementation of the new tax structure on 1 January 2026, tax revenue from automobiles is expected to increase further in the remaining quarters of fiscal year 2026 due to the higher tax rates introduced under the revised framework.
Other Potential Excise Tax Measures
In addition to the proposed reforms to cigarette excise tax and automobile taxation, the Excise Department is also considering further adjustments to excise taxes on several categories of goods and services. However, the specific criteria and potential tax rate changes have not yet been clearly determined.
These potential measures may include:
- restructuring excise taxes on petroleum and petroleum products;
- increasing excise tax rates on sin goods, such as alcohol and beer;
- introducing taxes on products harmful to health, such as a potential salt tax;
- imposing taxes on environmentally harmful goods, including possible battery or carbon taxes; and
- reviewing the taxation of luxury goods and services.
Conclusion
Thailand is considering several reforms to its excise tax system in order to strengthen government revenue and improve tax collection efficiency. Key measures include the potential introduction of a single-tier cigarette tax, revisions to the automobile excise tax framework based on vehicle type and CO₂ emissions, and possible adjustments to taxes on petroleum products, alcohol, health-related products, environmentally harmful goods, and luxury goods and services.
These reforms aim not only to increase government revenue but also to support broader policy objectives, such as promoting environmentally friendly vehicles and reducing harmful consumption. However, higher excise tax rates may also increase costs for businesses and retail prices for consumers.
With the revised automobile tax framework already taking effect on 1 January 2026, together with other proposed measures currently under consideration, excise tax revenue is expected to continue increasing throughout fiscal year 2026. Businesses operating in industries subject to excise tax should closely monitor future policy developments, as upcoming regulatory changes may significantly affect tax costs and compliance obligations in Thailand.
Author: Panisa Suwanmatajarn, Managing Partner.
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