Controversy in Thailand over the introduction of discounts on first car purchases. According to the government's plans, to obtain the subsidy, potential buyers will have to buy a car worth less than one million baht (23,916 euros), the engine capacity of the car must be less than 1.500cc, the buyer must have at least 21 years of age and keep the car for at least five years.
The discount applies to excise duty with a ceiling of 100 baht. An appropriate government department will reimburse the buyer by check within one year of purchase. The program has met with hostility from the opposition who consider it a waste of money that will benefit only a section of the population.
The scheme will cost at least 30 billion baht which, according to the opposition, should be used to improve the country's infrastructure. Doubts have also arisen on the competition front, because the government plan could favor local producers to the detriment of foreign car manufacturers. In fact, the scheme increases the competitiveness of small sedans compared to eco-cars, given that the former bears an excise duty of 30%, while the latter only by 17 percent, making the discount less convenient for ecological cars.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/256793/excise-chief-calls-car-plan-unbiase
