Thai Retailers Propose 30% Import Tax to Counter Low-Cost E-commerce

The Thai Retailers Association has formally proposed that the government implement a maximum import tariff of 30% on goods purchased through cross-border e-commerce platforms. According to a report by Prachachat Business, the association aims for this policy to take effect by January 1, 2027. The initiative is designed to shield local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from the influx of low-cost products, particularly those originating from China, which have reached an import value of approximately 37.5 billion baht. Beyond the tariff increase, the association is urging the government to close existing regulatory loopholes and implement stricter tax enforcement measures to ensure a more level playing field for domestic businesses. For residents and frequent shoppers in Thailand, this proposal could lead to significant price increases for items ordered from international online marketplaces if the government adopts the measure. While the retail sector is pushing for this change to bolster the local economy, the official government response and the final details of the tax structure remain to be confirmed. Stakeholders are currently awaiting further announcements regarding whether these tax adjustments will be formally adopted or modified before the proposed implementation date.