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泰国政府已原则上批准修订《佛历2542年（公元1999年）外商经营法》（简称“FBA”），旨在放宽过度限制性条款以提升投资吸引力。该法案已实施25年，因不合时宜且对当地企业保护主义色彩浓厚而备受争议。许多利益相关方，尤其是初创企业等领域企业，普遍认为现行法规阻碍外资引进，使泰国错失前沿技术与创新成果。

法律改革委员会建议对该法进行现代化修订，取消阻碍泰国经济增长的条款。拟议修正案旨在更新FBA，尤其是外资持股规则。目前，外资持股上限为49%，且许多行业严格保留给泰国公民，这引发了外国人通过泰国名义股东持股的情况。

修订后的规定将重点促进可能成为泰国 GDP 主要贡献者的产业增长，已获得包括财政部、商业部、内政部、劳工部在内的相关部委，以及国家经济社会发展委员会和投资促进委员会（BOI）的支持。政府代理发言人卡隆·蓬蓬克朗（Karom Polpornklang）强调，新框架应支持初创企业，并促进需要先进技术、投资的行业的外资投入。

从“保护”国内企业转向“支持”它们的这一调整，将有助于泰国提升在全球市场的竞争力，增强投资者信心，并推动经济发展。 [Bangkok Post]

泰国当局已大幅扩大对曼谷乍都乍区国家审计署（SAO）大楼倒塌事件的调查，该事件发生在3月28日的地震中。大楼倒塌已造成47人确认死亡，并且至少47人被掩埋在废墟下。调查分为两大案：一案聚焦于大楼施工中的设计缺陷，另一案则针对违反外资所有权法律的行为。

第一个案件关注大楼结构完整性，尤其是与电梯井设计相关的问题。调查人员已确定该电梯井的墙体厚度仅为25厘米，远低于同类建筑通常采用的60厘米。这种厚度的缩减被认为是导致倒塌的因素之一，因为电梯井在地震力作用下可能无法承受而发生毁坏。[Bangkok Post 1] 

内政部已确认，倒塌很可能是由这些设计缺陷引起的，其中包括电梯井缺乏对称支撑。泰国钢铁协会已对建筑施工中使用的额外钢材样本进行了检测，早期测试确认有三种钢材不合格。钢材供应商Xin Ke Yuan 公司将对材料质量作出说明。[Bangkok Post 2] [Bangkok Post 3] 

此外，泰国特别调查局（DSI）正在调查建筑设计文件中涉嫌的伪造行为。调查人员重点关注对原始设计所做的修改，尤其是电梯井部分。参议员 Somkiat Chusangsuk 声称，与这些修改相关的文件中，其姓名和签名被伪造，因而对相关文件进行了法医鉴定。

调查人员还关注项目监管中可能存在的渎职行为，泰国公司 Forum Architect 和 Meinhardt (Thailand) 因其在审批流程中的角色正受到审查。 [Bangkok Post 4] 

第二起案件则聚焦于涉嫌利用泰国名义股东规避《佛历1999年外商经营法》对外资持股比例的限制。中国中铁十局有限公司泰国分公司高管张传令是此案核心人物。中国中铁与Italian-Thai Development Plc合作，组建合资公司，负责建设国家审计署的新30层总部大楼。张传令持有该公司49％的股份，另外三名泰国籍人士持有剩余51％。

泰国特别调查局（DSI）已对这三名泰国籍股东签发逮捕令，指控他们充当名义股东，替外国利益方持股，违反泰国外资所有权法规。张传令否认指控，称其系代表中国国有企业来泰投资。

目前，张传令已被逮捕并拘留，其律师已申请保释，并以100万泰铢（约合2.8万美元）作保。鉴于涉案最高刑期不足10年，DSI并未反对保释申请，法院正在审查中。[Bangkok Post 5] [Bangkok Post 6] [Bangkok Post 7] 

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Effective May 1, 2025, all foreign visitors to Thailand will be required to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at least three days prior to their arrival. This digital form replaces the previous TM6 paper card, which was suspended in 2024.

Travelers must provide personal details, passport information, travel itinerary, accommodation details, and health status. After submitting the form, a confirmation email will be sent, which must be presented alongside travel documents upon arrival in Thailand.

The requirement applies to all foreign travelers entering Thailand via air, land, or sea, with exceptions for consular and diplomatic personnel, members of specific international organizations, their dependents and staff, and foreign officials on official assignments.

Travelers can begin using the TDAC system starting April 28 for arrivals on May 1, and group submissions are allowed, with the ability to edit applications before final submission. [Immigration Bureau] [Bangkok Post]

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed a revision of the visa-free entry scheme following concerns about visitors overstaying their visas and working illegally in Thailand. The order, which targets the Interior Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Tourism and Sports Ministry, comes as the government seeks to address abuse of the system.

Government officials highlighted that some visitors have violated the law by overstaying their visa-free permits and engaging in unauthorized employment. The Prime Minister has ordered a thorough study of the scheme’s impact and emphasized the need to set an appropriate duration for visa-free stays that aligns with the goal of promoting tourism.

Currently, visa-free entry is available to citizens of 93 countries for tourism, business, and temporary work, allowing visitors to stay for up to 60 days, with a 30-day extension possible. However, the government has faced increasing pressure, particularly from the tourism sector, to revise the policy. Concerns have been raised about visa-free visitors running illegal businesses such as tour agencies, restaurants, and even hotels. [Bangkok Post]

The Central Administrative Court has dismissed a lawsuit filed by solar farm developer SPCG Plc, which sought compensation of THB 3.7 billion (USD 104.7 million) from the state-run Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA). SPCG’s subsidiary, Set Energy, was seeking compensation after its right to develop and operate a solar farm, meant to supply power to the PEA, was canceled.

The court ruled that Set Energy was not a signatory to the power purchase agreement (PPA), and therefore, could not legally request compensation for the cancellation. SPCG and PEA’s subsidiary, PEA Encom International, jointly established Set Energy to develop a solar farm in the Eastern Economic Corridor. However, as Set Energy was not part of the PPA signed between PEA and PEA Encom International in 2020, the company could not legally claim the rights to operate the farm or request changes to the agreement.

The project, which was expected to produce at least 500 megawatts of power, faced delays when Set Energy could not obtain the necessary license to operate due to the lack of a signed PPA. Set Energy had already made investments in land and development, which led to its request for an extension to the installation period. However, PEA rejected the request, citing the company’s lack of contractual standing as a PPA signatory.

In response, SPCG accused the PEA of abusing its power, causing financial damage amounting to THB 3.7 billion (USD 104.7 million). Despite these claims, the court ruled that the transfer of power production rights to Set Energy was not legally valid, leading to the dismissal of the case. [Bangkok Post] 

Nestlé has vowed to continue its legal battle against the Mahagitsiri family over control of the Nescafé business in Thailand, with the case set to be heard in the Min Buri Civil Court on June 20, 2025. The dispute stems from the termination of the joint venture, Quality Coffee Products Ltd (QCP), which was a 50-50 partnership between Nestlé and the Mahagitsiri family. Nestlé unilaterally ended the partnership on December 31, 2024, with backing from an international arbitration court.

In response, the Mahagitsiri family secured a temporary injunction on April 3, preventing Nestlé from manufacturing, outsourcing, importing, or distributing Nescafé products in Thailand. This injunction has sparked controversy, with Nestlé arguing that it negatively affects Thai supply chain partners, including farmers, suppliers, and small businesses. Nestlé appealed the decision and petitioned to have the case moved to the Central Intellectual Property and International Trade Court, citing its exclusive trademark rights.

The dispute also highlights the Mahagitsiri family's concerns that Nestlé is attempting to monopolize profits by sidelining Thai production in favor of imports. The Thai government has intervened, with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra backing Nestlé’s investment plans, which include establishing a local coffee production facility in Thailand.

In the midst of this dispute, Nestlé has resumed sales of Nescafé in Thailand, following a ruling from the intellectual property court affirming its exclusive trademark rights. The company also plans to strengthen its local operations, citing the significant role of Nescafé in the Thai coffee market. Nestlé maintains that any disruptions to its business will have significant impacts on stakeholders across the supply chain.

The Min Buri Civil Court’s decision on jurisdiction and the injunction remains pending, with the Mahagitsiri family allowed to submit counterarguments by April 23. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] 

Starting April 28, 2025, Thailand’s Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) will begin issuing electronic certificates of origin (e-Form D) to streamline exports under ASEAN Free Trade Agreements (FTAs).

The new electronic certificates will replace the traditional paper-based system, with Thai exporters engaged in trade with ASEAN FTA partner countries now able to apply for e-Form D through the DFT’s newly developed Smart C/O system. This change is in line with the ASEAN Trade in Goods Agreement (ATIGA) and aims to expedite the certification process.

Once issued, the e-Form D will be electronically transmitted via both the National Single Window and the ASEAN Single Window systems to the destination countries, facilitating faster customs clearance and reducing costs by eliminating the need for physical documents.

While the digital system is encouraged, exporters must first register for the DFT Smart C/O system before applying. Exporters can still print hard copies of the certificates if they choose, but they will need to purchase the appropriate certificate paper from the DFT in advance.

As of December 15, 2023, the DFT has issued a total of 740,082 certificates of origin for exports to ASEAN FTA partner countries. [The Nation]

Thailand’s ombudsman Songsak Saicheua has called on the government to intensify action against the growing use of Thai proxies by foreign investors to gain illegal control of businesses, particularly in the agricultural sector. The practice, he warned, undermines local livelihoods, reduces state revenue, and poses risks of criminal activity and money laundering.

The use of nominees is spreading across various industries—including restaurants, transportation, retail, wholesale, property, and construction—but durian orchards in provinces like Chanthaburi, Chumphon, and Trat have become a particular focus. Foreign investors are allegedly acquiring farmland and controlling entire supply chains, from cultivation to logistics and wholesale markets.

Songsak urged the government to introduce a dedicated law targeting foreign-controlled businesses operating under Thai nominees, including prison sentences and fines proportionate to business size. He also proposed the establishment of a national committee chaired by the prime minister to lead investigations into foreign-controlled land and trade, while emphasizing the need to train Thai farmers to resist proxy-based land acquisition schemes. [Bangkok Post] 

The United States has imposed new antidumping and countervailing duties as high as 3,521 percent on solar panel imports from Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, and Vietnam. This decision follows a year-long trade investigation that found solar manufacturers in these countries were benefiting from government subsidies and selling solar products to the US at below-cost prices. 

The duties, which are set to support domestic manufacturers in the US, are expected to increase costs for US renewable developers who have long relied on affordable foreign solar imports. The move adds to tariffs imposed under former President Donald Trump, and it threatens to disrupt global supply chains for solar equipment.

The new duties vary by country, with Cambodia facing the highest countrywide duties of 3,521 percent for not participating in the investigation. Vietnam is subject to duties as high as 395.9 percent, while Thailand faces duties of 375.2 percent, and Malaysia is imposed with a 34.4 percent duty. Specific companies also face significant levies: Jinko Solar from Vietnam faces duties of 245 percent, Trina Solar from Thailand faces duties of 375 percent, and JA Solar from Vietnam faces duties of 120 percent.

In 2024, the US imported nearly USD 2.9 billion in solar equipment from these four countries, which accounted for about 77 percent of total solar module imports. The final ruling on these duties will depend on a decision by the US International Trade Commission, which is set to determine whether these imports are harming US producers.

This latest round of tariffs continues a trend seen after similar duties were imposed on solar imports from China over a decade ago, leading Chinese manufacturers to set up operations in other countries unaffected by tariffs. [Bangkok Post 1]

In response to these and other escalating trade pressures, Thailand’s Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan has called for urgent coordination among ASEAN members to develop a unified response to the US's escalating tariff measures. Pichai proposed convening a special meeting of ASEAN economic ministers to formulate a joint strategy for engaging with Washington. This initiative aims to safeguard regional interests, protect supply chains, and promote sustainable investment ties, especially as concerns mount over the tariffs' impact on ASEAN economies.

The United States remains a key trade partner for ASEAN, with total trade valued at USD 477 billion in 2024, including USD 352 billion in imports from the region and USD 125 billion in exports. Thailand, as a regional trade hub, has pledged to support ASEAN’s principles of openness and resilience. However, Thai exporters, particularly SMEs, are already feeling the pressure, with approximately 3,700 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) expected to suffer export losses of up to USD 7.6 billion due to the new tariffs.

Pichai’s call comes ahead of the 25th ASEAN Economic Community Council Meeting and the 46th ASEAN Summit, scheduled for May in Kuala Lumpur, where ASEAN leaders are expected to address challenges related to reciprocal tariffs and trade disruptions. [Bangkok Post 2] 

Thailand's ruling administration, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is currently facing heightened pressure, with a cabinet reshuffle increasingly expected by July due to growing internal tensions between the two core parties within the coalition. The strains are primarily fueled by the controversial casino-entertainment complex bill and the upcoming 2026 Budget Bill debate.

Recently, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra instructed Pheu Thai MPs to engage with their constituencies during the parliamentary recess, gauging public opinion on the casino bill, which aims to develop large-scale integrated entertainment complexes with a casino component limited to under 10 percent of each site. While the initiative promises THB 800 billion (USD 24 billion) in investment and aims to stimulate tourism and job creation, it has triggered opposition both inside and outside parliament. Critics argue the bill was rushed without adequate public consultation, and some warn it may violate constitutional or ethical standards. [Bangkok Post 1] Bangkok Post 2]

Facing escalating resistance—including from academics, religious groups, and civil society—Pheu Thai had previously decided to postpone the bill’s parliamentary reading until the next session starting July 2. The move also followed a vocal rejection from coalition partner Bhumjaithai, whose secretary-general Chaichanok Chidchob declared opposition in parliament [see AiR No. 15, April/2025, 3]. This prompted Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Bhumjaithai party leader, to downplay the rift and reaffirm Bhumjaithai’s cooperation with Pheu Thai, while insisting the issue was not cause for concern. [Bangkok Post 3] 

Nonetheless, the bill’s future remains uncertain. A 34-member Senate committee will begin its 180-day review of the bill on April 23, aiming to provide a more detailed analysis than a previous House study. However, concerns remain over the committee’s impartiality, particularly amid reports of political lobbying tied to power bases in Buri Ram, a Bhumjaithai stronghold. [Bangkok Post  4]

Although Pheu Thai has not withdrawn the bill, critics and analysts alike suggest a national referendum may be the only viable path forward. Some believe that pushing the bill without broader support could provoke public demonstrations or erode the government’s standing before the next general election. Others argue Pheu Thai may shelve the initiative until after elections, potentially including it in a future campaign manifesto. [Bangkok Post 5] [Bangkok Post 6] 

Meanwhile, parliament is scheduled to hold an extraordinary session on April 28–29 to deliberate the 2026 Budget Bill. Despite coalition disagreements, Pheu Thai MP and former defense minister Sutin Klungsang expressed confidence that the bill will pass, stressing that withholding support over unrelated issues—such as the casino legislation—would be irresponsible. The United Thai Nation Party echoed this view, underscoring the budget’s importance for driving economic policy and national development. [Bangkok Post 7] 

Against this backdrop, the possibility of a cabinet reshuffle remains a key topic of speculation. Public sentiment seems to support the move, with a recent NIDA poll showing that nearly 48 percent of respondents favor an immediate reshuffle. The Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, and Ministry of Finance are seen as key targets for change. Ministers such as Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira and Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan are rumored to be replaced, possibly by technocrats or figures from coalition allies like the Klatham Party. However, the Pheu Thai Party remains focused on maintaining stability within the coalition, particularly with Bhumjaithai, which holds sway in the Senate and controls the influential Interior Ministry. [Bangkok Post 8] 

Despite the mounting pressures, Pheu Thai officials have dismissed rumors of a cabinet reshuffle in August, reiterating that the decision is entirely up to Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. [The Nation] [Bangkok Post 9] 

Thailand’s Commerce Ministry is ramping up efforts to expand durian exports to China, the kingdom’s largest market for the fruit, by asking Chinese authorities to ease restrictions on chemical contamination checks.

Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan recently met with China’s Consul-General in Thailand, Wu Zhiwu, and Embassy Counsellor Zhang Xiaoxiao to discuss measures that could streamline the export process. During the meeting, Pichai presented the popular monthong variety of Thai durians, which were reportedly well received.

Pichai urged China to speed up customs clearance during peak export seasons and to relax its stringent screening requirements for durians deemed low-risk. He proposed that reputable brokers known for clean supply records could be subject to only random checks rather than full inspections. This suggestion will be forwarded to the Department of Agriculture for follow-up.

To further boost sales, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has also launched a digital marketing campaign targeting Chinese consumers through social media platforms and live-streaming influencers. The campaign aims to showcase Thai durians’ distinctive taste and quality to strengthen consumer confidence.

In 2024, China accounted for 97.4 percent of Thailand’s total durian exports. Thai durian exports have become a critical component of bilateral trade, although concerns remain over foreign investment in orchards via Thai proxies, particularly in provinces like Chanthaburi. [Bangkok Post] 

Wealthy Chinese buyers are increasingly favoring Thailand over traditional markets like the United States for high-end real estate, elevating the kingdom to the top destination for Chinese property investors in 2024. According to data from Juwai IQI, Thailand replaced the U.S. as the top overseas housing market for Chinese buyers of properties priced above USD 5 million, driven by desires for lifestyle, schooling, and long-term investment rather than emigration.

This growing interest is also reflected in actual transaction volumes. Chinese nationals led foreign condo purchases in Thailand in 2024, transferring 5,670 units worth THB 26.7 billion (USD 787 million), followed by buyers from Myanmar and Russia. Yet, this marked a decline from the 6,614 units worth THB 34.1 billion (USD 1 billion) in 2023, largely due to China’s economic slowdown and renewed concerns over safety.

Safety has become a focal issue, especially after the high-profile kidnapping of a Chinese actor in Thailand early in 2025 and revelations of scam operations targeting Chinese nationals. These incidents, widely circulated on Chinese social media, damaged Thailand’s image as a safe investment destination. In response, real estate firms are adapting by offering leasehold options for luxury houses priced above THB 30 million (USD 885,000) and aiming to double sales from Chinese clients in 2025.

Compounding safety concerns is a shift in buyer sentiment following the March 2025 earthquake. The event heightened scrutiny of high-rise condo safety in Bangkok, pushing buyers to assess developers not only on structural quality but also on crisis response and transparency. According to Colliers Thailand, developers who quickly conducted safety inspections and communicated openly with residents saw enhanced brand credibility, while slower responses eroded buyer trust.

This shift is expected to suppress the condo market in the short term. Sales of new condos launched in Bangkok during the second quarter of 2025 are forecast to fall below 30 percent, a level last seen during pandemic-era lows. Despite a 72 percent year-on-year rise in new condo supply in the first quarter, average sales rates remained modest at 37 percent, well below pre-pandemic averages of 60 to 70 percent. [Bangkok Post 1] [Bangkok Post 2] 

Chinese tourist arrivals to Thailand continue to fall, with only 5,833 arrivals recorded on April 16, 2025, a significant drop from the usual range of 15,000 to 20,000 daily. This marks a troubling trend for the Thai tourism sector, which is facing its worst crisis in the Chinese market in recent years. The decline follows a similar pattern observed after the 2018 deadly boat incident in Phuket, which heavily impacted Chinese tourism.

As of April 20, 2025, Chinese tourists accounted for 1.5 million arrivals to Thailand, compared to 1.4 million from Malaysia and 835,385 from Russia, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Sports. Despite a brief spike during the Songkran festival, with daily arrivals reaching 16,000 on April 11, the numbers quickly fell again.

The Association of Thai Travel Agents has termed the situation a crisis, while a former governor of the Tourism Authority of Thailand suggested that a reputation management strategy is urgently needed to address the issue. The downturn in arrivals highlights the growing challenges for Thailand's tourism industry, especially in light of recent incidents like the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand has announced that ministerial-level talks with the United States, originally scheduled for April 23, 2025, have been delayed. The talks, led by Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, were meant to address the 36 percent reciprocal tariffs imposed on Thai exports to the US. While the reason for the delay has not been specified, Minister Pichai is expected to provide more details soon. The US tariffs, which are part of the broader trade measures targeting countries with trade surpluses, have raised significant concerns in Thailand due to their potential impact on the economy. [Bangkok Post 1]

Thailand had prepared five key proposals to reduce the impact of the tariffs, including increasing imports of US farm products with reduced import taxes, implementing stricter screening of re-exported products, and promoting Thai investments in US processing industries. The Thai delegation also planned to propose significant imports of US liquefied natural gas (LNG) and ethylene gas, with purchases valued at USD 600 million and USD 100 million, respectively, over several years. [Thai PBS World] 

Alongside the trade talks, concerns have arisen over potential impacts on Thailand’s defense procurement plans. Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai downplayed worries that the US tariffs would affect the purchase of military equipment, such as the potential switch from Swedish-made Gripen jets to US-made F-16s. However, Phumtham noted that obtaining financing for such a purchase through US loans would be unconventional. The air force’s procurement of Gripen jets has yet to be approved by the cabinet, and discussions regarding the army’s plan to procure Stryker armored vehicles from the US are still ongoing. [Bangkok Post 1] 

In addition to the trade and defense discussions, Thailand is facing domestic unrest over proposed US beef imports. Thai cattle farmers, led by the Beef Cattle Association of Thailand and supported by over 60 allied organizations, have protested the plan, which they argue could harm over 1.4 million cattle-rearing households already struggling with low prices and competition from free trade agreements with Australia and New Zealand.

Farmers are particularly concerned about the public health risks associated with hormone-treated beef, which is banned under Thai food safety laws. They also argue that the imports could damage Thailand’s reputation in export markets such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and China, where strict food safety standards are enforced. The association has submitted letters of protest to the prime minister and other officials, demanding that the government reconsider the policy. Further protests are planned if the proposal moves forward. [Bangkok Post 3] 

Thailand's data center services market is expected to grow by 8 percent in 2025, reaching THB 12.7 billion (USD 373 million), driven by the increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and greater demand for data storage. The finance, wholesale and retail, and healthcare sectors are leading the way in this growth, as Thai businesses increasingly use data center services instead of building their own infrastructure. The demand for services is being fueled by the growing need for processing power and AI solutions for data analytics.

However, challenges such as economic uncertainties, the enforcement of the Climate Change Act, and intensifying regional competition from countries like Malaysia and Singapore could affect growth. Additionally, the data center services industry in Thailand faces a shortage of skilled professionals, prompting multinational companies to invest in training programs for local workers. Despite these hurdles, the industry is expected to maintain steady growth, supported by the ongoing digital transformation across various sectors. [Bangkok Post]

Thailand is intensifying efforts to develop the Singapore–Kunming Rail Link (SKRL) as part of its broader strategy to position itself as a key logistics hub in Southeast Asia. The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) recently dispatched a delegation to Chongqing, China, to study logistics innovations and multimodal transport models under China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

The Thai delegation, led by DRT Director-General Pichet Kunadhamraks, held talks with representatives of the New Land-Sea Corridor Operation (NLS), a multilateral logistics initiative under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Project. The visit also included inspections of key infrastructure nodes such as the Tuanjiecun Railway Station and a major container yard along the China–Europe Railway network, which connects 110 cities across Asia and Europe.

Pichet highlighted that the Laos–China railway, launched in 2021, has already transformed freight movement between Thailand and China. Rail freight volumes rose from 2,288 tons in 2021 to 63,676 tons in 2024, a 37.56 percent increase from the previous year. Rail shipments to Chongqing now take only four days, compared to over two weeks by sea, offering a faster option for perishable and high-value goods.

Officials say lessons learned from the study tour will help modernize Thailand’s domestic rail infrastructure and improve integration into the SKRL, a strategic corridor connecting Southeast Asia to southwestern China.[Bangkok Post] 

泰国针对商用电动汽车的新免税政策受到了企业界的欢迎，但行业领袖呼吁出台更多配套措施，以全面支持国家向清洁交通的转型。该免税政策于三月下旬批准，为投资进口或本地组装电动卡车和巴士的企业提供至2025年12月31日的企业所得税豁免。此举支持政府的“30@30”政策，目标到2030年实现电动汽车占总产量至少30%，具体为72.5万辆电动乘用车、67.5万辆电动摩托车及3.4万辆电动卡车和巴士。

行业高管（如Sharge Management和电动车分销商Elenergy）认为，此政策可吸引中国电动汽车制造商来泰投资，并刺激重型电动车辆本地组装。但他们也指出，现行监管和基础设施仍面临挑战：交通法规限制大型卡车通行时段，长时间充电令电动物流车运营可行性受限。企业因此呼吁扩充充电网络，并将商用电动车运营商纳入碳信用交易体系，以获得更多财务激励。

尽管存在上述顾虑，业内人士强调，要实现泰国的气候与产业目标，必须构建完整的生态体系。他们认为，税收优惠固然重要，但应纳入更广泛的战略框架，加快清洁交通转型。 [Bangkok Post 1] 

与此同时，总部位于中国的长城汽车（GWM）已调整其在泰国的商业战略。该公司原本专注于电动车生产，但现正转向在罗勇工厂加大柴油车产量。此举是对国内外经济不确定性作出的回应，包括泰国汽车需求乏力以及日益加剧的国际贸易紧张局势。

长城汽车在泰国的“EV 3.0”激励方案下，已投资230亿泰铢（约6.62亿美元）用于电动车及电池生产，并报告称，由于信贷条件收紧和家庭高负债，国内电动车销售放缓。2024年，泰国汽车销量降至14年最低，仅572,675辆，而长城汽车销售37,067辆。

长城汽车国际总裁Parker Shi指出，公司计划增加柴油车产量，强调其更适合东南亚多样化的地形。在曼谷国际车展上，柴油版“全新长城坦克 300 柴油版”已获300余份订单，表明公司有意将内燃机（ICE）车型重新纳入产品组合。

尽管长城汽车仍致力于实现2024 - 2026年间14,000辆的国内电动车生产目标，但公司正平衡产能布局，计划60%为电动车及混合动力车，40%为内燃机车型。 [Bangkok Post 2]