The government disclosed that import duty collection on online goods from the first baht has exceeded 4 billion baht in 11 months, reducing the tax advantage of foreign stores and accelerating checks on false 'Made in Thailand' claims.
On 17 September 2026, Ms. Lalida Pertwiwatthana, Deputy Spokesperson of the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government is monitoring the results of the import tax collection measure on online goods from the first baht, which took effect on 1 January 2026 after ending exemptions for imports valued under 1,500 baht. This aims to bring low-value imported goods into the tax system, reduce tax advantages, and create fairer competition for Thai businesses.
The Customs Department reported that in the first 11 months of fiscal year 2026, about 225 million imported items fell under this measure, with import value around 41 billion baht, and import duties collected exceeding 4 billion baht. Meanwhile, orders of small goods from abroad have tended to slow, with consumers increasingly purchasing from domestic stock retailers.
Ms. Lalida said the measure’s goal is not solely to increase state revenue but to address tax inequality. Previously, Thai manufacturers and traders bore tax and compliance costs, while some low-value online imports were exempt, creating cost disparities in competition.
“Cheap imported goods can compete, but they must do so under the same tax rules. Collecting duties from the first baht is not just about over 4 billion baht in revenue, but about closing the gap that disadvantages Thai stores and businesses to ensure fairer competition,” Ms. Lalida explained.
At the same time, the government is closing loopholes on origin fraud. The Customs Department is coordinating with the Department of Foreign Trade and Ministry of Commerce to inspect products claiming 'Made in Thailand' that raise suspicion of not genuinely being produced domestically, to prevent Thailand from being used to evade trade measures of partner countries, which could harm legitimate Thai producers and the credibility of Thai goods abroad.
“'Made in Thailand' must have verifiable origins. The government is not stopping at import duty collection but will also inspect origin fraud to prevent rule-breakers from using Thailand’s name to damage the entire Thai business community,” Ms. Lalida said.
The Deputy Spokesperson emphasized that paying import duties is separate from product safety standards. Just because imported goods have paid taxes and duties does not mean they have passed safety standards or certifications. The public should check sellers, labels, warnings, warranties, and legally required quality marks before buying online.
The figure of about 225 million items refers to imports subject to the tax collection measure, not illegal goods. The revenue exceeding 4 billion baht is import duties as reported by the Customs Department, not total value-added tax, nor does it represent revenue from imports from any single country alone.