Incoming international parcels and baggage will soon be more thoroughly searched by customs officials at the airports to make sure that goods have been taxed properly.
They are concerned that business owners are aware that the searches have been irregular and have taken advantage of that by ordering or bringing in goods for resale and avoiding paying taxes on them, said customs chief Kulis Sombatsiri.
The official noted that the illegal practice allows these businesses to sell their goods more cheaply than their competitors since they aren’t paying import taxes, reported Thai PBS.
Kulis said that the more thorough searches will include X-ray machines at luggage conveyor belts and officials will be looking for new, high-end products in luggage.
The law states that travelers can bring with them personal belongings up to THB20,000 into Thailand or they have to pay taxes.
The Customs Department reported that, in 2017 so far, imports have increased while import tax collection has dropped by THB5 billion.
