Economy
Thailand Reports Over 4 Billion Baht in Revenue from New Online Import Tax
The Thai government has collected over 4 billion baht in import duties from online goods since January 2026, aiming to level the playing field for local businesses.
According to a report from Khaosod Online, the Thai government has successfully collected more than 4 billion baht in import duties during the first 11 months of the 2026 fiscal year. This follows the implementation of a new policy on January 1, 2026, which removed the tax exemption for imported goods valued under 1,500 baht, requiring duties to be paid from the first baht of value.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Peritwatthana stated that the measure is designed to create fair competition between international online retailers and local Thai businesses. Previously, local merchants faced higher tax burdens compared to those importing low-value goods. Customs data indicates that approximately 225 million items were imported under this new framework, with a total import value of around 41 billion baht.
For residents and travellers, this shift means that small online purchases from abroad are now subject to taxation, which may influence the final cost of goods ordered from international platforms. The government noted a trend of consumers shifting toward domestic retailers who maintain local stock. While the policy is currently in effect, the government continues to monitor the market and is actively investigating potential issues related to the misuse of 'Made in Thailand' (MiT) certifications. Further updates regarding the long-term impact on consumer pricing and the effectiveness of these enforcement measures remain to be seen.
