Some 800,000 people are expected to take advantage of generous tax rebates under the government's first-time car buyer scheme, says the Excise Department.
Director-general Somchai Pulsawas said that as of last week, 720,000 applicants had registered for tax rebates totalling 53 billion baht.
The scheme was initiated last year offering first-time car buyers rebates of up to 100,000 baht on a new car.
The initiative, launched in part to help the automobile industry recover in the wake of last year's devastating floods, helped to push car production to a record.
Organisers of the Thailand International Motor Expo 2012, which ended on Monday, said orders reached 85,904, a new record and well in excess of the target of 50,000.
Mr Somchai said overall tax rebates could amount to 60 billion baht, nearly double the original estimate set by the department.
Car buyers may apply for rebates at 10 offices nationwide. The department has extended operating hours to between 7am and 8pm seven days a week to handle demand ahead of the Dec 31 deadline.
Mr Somchai, who noted that 4,000 people submitted applications yesterday alone, said demand will be heavy for the rest of the month as buyers rush to submit their applications.
The department has already refunded 2 billion baht to 30,000 buyers who purchased cars last year after meeting the one-year ownership requirement.
Rebates are made only after the first year of car ownership, which must be maintained for at least five years.