Online shopping imports face full tax

Thailand yesterday began collecting taxes on all imported goods bought online, a move the government says will create "a level playing field" between local and imported cheap products.

- MONGKOL BANGPRAPA

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Persvivatana said the measure ends a longstanding tax exemption on goods valued at under 1,500 baht purchased directly from overseas vendors via e-commerce platforms.

From now on, all applicable import duties and value-added tax (VAT) will apply to the very first baht of a product's value, she said, adding the change is intended to reduce unfair price gaps between local businesses, especially SMEs, and low-priced imported products that previously entered Thailand untaxed.