Thailand Implements Import Duties on All Low-Value Goods

According to a report by Prachachat Business, the Thai government is moving to collect import duties on all incoming goods, regardless of their value. This policy shift aims to address the surge of low-cost products entering the country over the last five years, which has significantly pressured the competitiveness of local Thai entrepreneurs and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

The Customs Department estimates that in 2026 alone, Thailand will see the arrival of approximately 250 million individual items valued at less than 1,500 baht each. By removing the previous duty-free threshold, authorities hope to mitigate the impact of this massive volume of imports, which is valued at roughly 3.3 billion baht.

For residents and travelers, this change may result in higher costs for small online purchases or personal items imported from abroad, as previously exempt packages will now be subject to taxation from the very first baht. While the policy is intended to protect the domestic market, the practical implementation details regarding how these duties will be calculated and collected at the point of entry remain to be fully clarified. Residents should monitor official Customs Department announcements for updates on how this will affect personal shipments and international courier services.