Vintage vibes: Public hearing revs up classic car imports

[snoop1130]

 

The Foreign Trade Department has initiated a public hearing on a proposed amendment to a notification that would allow the import of certain classic cars for promotional events.

 

The department’s Director-General, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, announced that a new notification has been drafted for the Commerce Ministry concerning this category of used vehicles. The amendment addresses restrictions on specific used vehicle imports, specifically granting an exemption for vintage cars under tariff classification No.87.03. This exemption does not apply to motorcycles and other vehicles regulated by the Excise Department, Ronnarong said.

 

“This amendment aims to support events involving classic and vintage cars, such as contests, exhibitions, and caravans, which in turn promote spending by both Thai and foreign tourists.”

 

Additionally, the amendment is expected to foster the restoration of old cars, positioning Thailand as a regional hub for vintage car trade, exhibitions, and maintenance. The notification aligns with a Cabinet resolution from March 12, which approved measures to promote works of art and vintage cars as part of a national strategy to enhance competitiveness, add value, and ensure consistent economic growth.

 

A ministerial notification issued in 2019 aimed to reduce air pollution and ensure road safety, according to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry.

 

Government agencies, the private sector, and the public are encouraged to submit their comments on the draft notification via the Office of the Council of State’s website (www.law.go.th) and the Foreign Trade Department’s website (www.dft.go.th) from today until June 12, reported Bangkok Post.

 

After the public hearing, the draft is set to be presented to the Cabinet for approval.

 

By Alex Morgan

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-06-06

 

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[Maitdjai]

Now the "hub" for vintage cars...

With 100% import tax on cars and parts.

Oops, yeah, right!

Taxes are doing the new magic. 

And Somchai is maintaining "Gullwings", and "E-types" in his backyard shag. Give me a breake.

 

Edited June 6 by Maitdjai

[G Rex]

with  the potential criminalisation of weed again - it would seem that the proponents of this bill, are smoking more than their fair share, while they still can...

complete pie in the sky rubbish!

[chickenslegs]

IIRC, the total ban on importing used cars was intended to close a loophole whereby rich Thais working or attending university abroad were allowed to buy cheap (compared to Thai priced) Benz, BMW, etc. and import them to Thailand as personal possessions, without massive import duties and sell them at Thai prices - thus depriving Thailand of revenue. 

 

The knock-on effect was to prevent import of all cars, including classic and vintage cars, as no distinction was made between a 1 yr old Mercedes S-class and a 50 yr old MGB owned by the the same man for 20 years.

 

 

 

 

[hotchilli]

You will buy Thai produced Japanese cars, and now Chinese EV's, if you want to import Euro style cars you will be shafted.

[digger70]

20 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand as a regional hub for vintage car trade

An other Hubba hubba hubba hub.  😜