Excise Department Prepares to Finalize Conditions for the 2026 Old-for-New Car Exchange Program

The Excise Department Director-General is preparing to finalize the conditions for the 2026 old-for-new car exchange program and plans to submit them to the Ministry of Finance for consideration by mid-May 2026.

On 21 Apr 2026 GMT+7, Pornchai Theerawet, Director-General of the Excise Department, Ministry of Finance, said he has ordered his team to urgently study the details and conditions for implementing the old-for-new car exchange program, in line with government policy to support thetransition tovehicles that reduce pollution and help stimulate the green economy.

It is expected that preliminary details will be finalized to propose to Lornwan Saengnit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, and Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, for review by mid-May 2026. Any policy feedback from them will then be incorporated into the next steps.

The initial conditions to be considered for the 2026 old-for-new car exchange program include the production capacity of car manufacturers. Previously, the government supported electric vehicles (EVs), and participating manufacturers have already produced some cars to meet part of the program's requirements.

Therefore, the next step is to assess the remaining production capacity and also consider the target number of vehicles or new cars to participate in the program, in order to calculate the appropriate number of cars for inclusion.

Additionally, the characteristics of the target vehicles must be considered. The initial policy directive is that the vehicles should primarily be electric cars (EVs) or hybrid cars. This aims to reduce oil consumption and decrease carbon dioxide emissions.

Regarding specifics such as the number of vehicles, pricing, battery size, and disposal of old cars in the program, as well as other conditions, the department is still studying these details. The final conclusion must ensure the program does not create unfair advantages or disadvantages among participants.

Pornchai added that the department is working to complete the study as quickly as possible, following the government’s announced policy. The Ministry of Finance has assigned the Excise Department to expedite this study. The department had already conducted some prior research, providing a foundational basis.

Going forward, the team will proceed promptly and has already begun discussions with operators and relevant associations. The entire process is currently underway.