New regulations governing automobile hire-purchase and leasing contracts take effect on June 1, 2026, strengthening consumer financial protections across Thailand.
Government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana announced the measures, which stem from a central bank notification published in the Royal Gazette on December 3, 2025. These rules target financial institutions, companies within financial business groups, and non-bank operators to promote responsible, transparent, and fair service delivery.
Core Provisions for Fees and Charges
Operators must apply reasonable interest rates, service fees, penalties, and other expenses that avoid duplication or exploitation. Charges reflect actual costs, including funding, risk management, operations, or other verifiable necessities.
Businesses face bans on adding interest, fees, penalties, or legitimate expenses to outstanding debt balances to impose extra charges. Service fees and penalties follow fair calculation methods tied to specific cost factors—for instance, one-time fees cannot base on a percentage of the vehicle’s price.
Consumer Disclosure and Support
Full, accurate, and current information on financial obligations must appear before contracts, enabling informed decisions. Advertising and disclosures avoid misleading claims.
Early terminations trigger proportional fee refunds. Debtors facing repayment issues receive assistance, ensuring equitable treatment throughout the process.
