Deputy PM and Finance Minister Ekniti says the government will raise excise tax on imported vehicles to protect domestic producers, with the new rates to take effect early in 2027 (BE 2570). He also says the government aims for high-income status within 12 years, with a World Bank-backed roadmap due to be unveiled in October at the IMF/World Bank meetings hosted by Thailand. Private-sector firms are being asked to lead investment in EVs, digital/AI and supply chains, and BOI reports 500 billion baht of actual investment in the first half. For a small business: if you import cars or parts, or sell into the auto supply chain, plan for the tax change; if you want to join new supply chains, watch the October roadmap.