Kasikorn Research Center Analyzes Potential 30% E-commerce Import Tax
A proposed import tax of up to 30% on e-commerce goods aims to balance price competition, though it may increase costs for consumers and online retailers.
According to a report by Prachachat Business citing the Kasikorn Research Center, Thailand is considering an import tax on e-commerce goods of up to 30%. This measure is intended to reduce the price gap between imported products and locally manufactured goods, potentially providing a competitive advantage to Thai producers. However, the research center notes that this policy could lead to higher costs for both consumers and online merchants. Data from the first nine months of 2026 indicates that imports of consumer goods have surged by 8%, while many domestic production sectors are currently operating at less than 50% capacity. For residents and frequent shoppers in Thailand, this potential tax hike could significantly impact the final prices of goods purchased through international e-commerce platforms. While the policy aims to support local industry, the actual implementation details and the specific categories of goods affected remain to be confirmed. Observers are monitoring how this shift might influence the broader retail landscape and whether it will effectively stimulate domestic manufacturing as intended.
