Why would they. It is within Thailand’s (not the consumers) best interest to ensure a majority on the cars on the road are made in Thailand.
Years ago the government’s initiative was to be the most successful car manufacturer in Asia and incentivised the Eastern Seaboard region.
The govt wants 100% of cars on the road to be made in Thailand and if you want to opt against a local purchase they have set duties on imports accordingly.
I paid 50% more for my imported car than what I can buy it for in my home country, but that’s my choice.
Maybe not a good one !
Countries like Africa should capitalise on the used Japan market but often countries like this are too corrupt to even facilitate such a process.
I have a friend that imported a Ford Mustang and never cleared it as the red tape and fees were 3 times the value of the car. My guess is that it is sitting in a Thai’s muscle car collection somewhere