Update on the government's 2026 "trade-in program": Get an 85,000 THB discount—check the latest status and initial conditions.

Update on the 2026 "Trade-in Program" Status: Excise Department Rushes Proposals for Mid-May Submission to the Ministry of Finance.

The buzz surrounding the potential 85,000 THB discount on new cars has sparked widespread discussion. However, the latest information clarifies that the "Old-for-New" trade-in scheme has not yet been officially implemented. It remains in the strategic study phase, being jointly developed by relevant government agencies.

Current Status:The Excise Department is currently formulating hypotheses and exploring various incentive options, with the goal of submitting the study’s findings to the Ministry of Finance for consideration by mid-May 2026.

1. Deep Dive into Progress: Why the Need for 'Formulating Hypotheses'?

Mr. Pornchai Theeravet,Director-General of the Excise Department, revealed that the project is currently in the stage of gathering reference data to find a balance between stimulating the automotive industry and maintaining government tax revenue. Determining the 85,000 THB discount figure or other specific conditions requires a clear, well-supported rationale.

These discussions are not limited to the Ministry of Finance; they also involve consultations with multiple stakeholders—including car manufacturers, the Thai Automotive Industry Association (TAIA), and environmental agencies—to ensure the measure achieves its maximum potential impact.

2. Initial Conditions (Currently in Planning Phase)

While the final details have not yet been 100% finalized, the guidelines currently being used in the preliminary hypotheses consist of the following key points:

3. Consumer Alert: Beware of Frauds

As the project is still in the "Study Phase," there are currently no registrations or document submissions open to the public. Please be wary of scammers who may falsely claim to offer pre-registration or early access to the discount.

4. Conclusion: Awaiting Clarity Mid-May

The next steps for this project depend on the "study findings" that the Excise Department will present to Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, the Minister of Finance. If the proposed framework is approved, the next stages will involve budget discussions and submission to the Cabinet for final approval before being officially enacted into law.