Summary of 5 New Rules in 2026 for Thais: Pay More or Get Refunds? Check Carefully Before Money Leaks Without Knowing
The year 2026 begins with major changes in financial and tax regulations that will directly affect the cost of living and daily habits of nearly all Thai people.
Data compiled by the Consumer Organizations Council highlights five key areas of significant change that consumers cannot overlook, as these new rules represent "expenses" and "benefits" we must face starting now, as follows.
1. The era of "cheap goods" from abroad ends: import taxes apply from the first baht.
A major turning point for e-commerce occurs as Thailand abolishes the import tax exemption for goods priced under 1,500 baht. From 1 January 2026 onward, the Customs Department will collect value-added tax (VAT) and import duties on all items starting from the very first baht.
- Structural impact: prices of imported goods, especially clothing and accessories from foreign platforms, may rise by approximately 20–30%.
- What consumers need to know: Although prices will increase, the new system calculates the total tax at the point of sale on the platform to reduce the burden of customs procedures. However, consumers should carefully compare domestic and foreign prices before deciding, as the price gap may become insignificant.
2. Social security ceiling adjustment for Section 33: increased expenses exchanged for more secure benefits?
The Social Security Office's contribution base adjustment in 2026 is not merely an increase in expenses for salaried workers but an improvement in benefits aligned with current living costs.
- Change: the wage ceiling will increase to 17,500 baht, resulting in insured persons under Section 33 paying a maximum contribution of 875 baht per month (up from 750 baht).
- Benefits returned: With the higher calculation base, various compensation amounts will increase immediately, such as the maximum old-age pension rising to 6,125 baht per month and childbirth assistance increasing to 26,250 baht per event. Also, maximum compensation for sickness, unemployment, and disability will be 8,750 baht per month, strengthening the "social safety net" for retirees.
3. Voluntary car insurance: consumers' right to choose must be preserved.
The issue of naming drivers on car insurance policies has faced widespread criticism. The latest update from the Office of Insurance Commission (OIC) hotline 1186 at the start of 2026 confirms that...
- Key principle: consumers still have the "option" to purchase policies that either name up to five drivers or do not specify any driver.
- Condition to watch: insurers wishing to sell unnamed driver policies must obtain case-by-case approval from the OIC. Therefore, before signing an insurance contract, consumers should verify coverage conditions clearly align with their family members' driving habits to avoid denial of coverage later.
4. New vehicle tax: the "environmental" tax that will set the price of our next car.
The 2026 excise tax structure for new cars shifts from engine size (cc) to measuring CO₂ emissions and full technology criteria.
- Internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles: large cars (over 3,000 cc) with high pollution will face tax rates soaring up to 50%, potentially increasing some car prices by hundreds of thousands to millions of baht.
- Clean energy vehicles (EV/PHEV): receive support with lower tax rates (e.g., BEVs pay only 2%), but note that some subsidy measures are gradually being phased out.
From the consumer perspective, buying a car this year means considering not just design or performance but also calculating the "hidden tax" in the price. Investing in cleaner technology may mean better financial value in the long term.
5. Donations in the digital era: e-Donation is the only method for tax deductions.
The Revenue Department has enhanced transparency by requiring tax deductions for donations to be made exclusively through the e-Donation system.
- End of paper system: paper donation receipts will no longer be accepted as tax deduction evidence unless the data is submitted to the Revenue Department's online system.
- Advice: Before donating, consumers should verify whether the receiving organization supports the e-Donation system and regularly check their tax information via the Revenue Department's My Tax Account to maintain their tax benefits.
The 2026 changes reflect the government's adaptation to digital systems and environmental concerns. Although consumers may initially feel increased burdens, understanding the rules and planning properly will help preserve their maximum benefits. Being aware of your rights is the best financial tool for consumers.
Source: Consumer Organizations Council, Revenue Department.
