Thailand has officially started collecting taxes on all online imported goods from the first baht, ending the previous exemption for low-value shipments, the government stated.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatthana stated that the measure took effect on January 1 and removes the exemption for imported goods valued at 1,500 baht or less.
The policy is intended to promote fair competition, enhance government revenue, and ensure that imported products comply with Thai regulations.
Under the new policy, all online imported goods are subject to value‑added tax and import duties starting from a declared value of just 1 baht.
According to the government, the measure aims to reduce the imbalance between Thai businesses—particularly small and medium-sized enterprises—and low-cost foreign products that previously entered the market tax-free.
Lalida noted that the prices of certain items could increase due to the new policy, with clothing and apparel likely to rise by about 20–30%, while the cost of other items will depend on their tax category.
She emphasized that the government has implemented measures to ensure that consumer convenience is preserved.
Currently, around 97% of imported goods already have taxes calculated and included in their listed prices on e‑commerce platforms, enabling consumers to make a one-time payment and receive their deliveries as usual without needing to settle taxes separately at customs.
For consumer protection, the Customs Department has partnered with major online platforms like Lazada, Shopee, TikTok, SHEIN, and TEMU to enhance product screening. Items that do not comply with Thai Industrial Standards (TIS) or Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, as well as prohibited products like e-cigarettes, will be removed from these platforms and banned from import.
The government emphasized that the policy is not meant to add extra pressure on consumers but to modernize the tax system, making it fair, transparent, and compatible with the digital economy. Authorities assured that online shopping will remain convenient, secure, and better regulated under the updated regulations.
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