In a comprehensive move to tackle the growing issue of illegal imports and businesses operating outside the law, Thai authorities have intensified their enforcement strategies. Recently, Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan outlined the government’s aggressive plan to curb smuggling and the unregulated import of goods, with significant actions expected to be rolled out in the next three months.
A key part of the strategy is to ensure greater transparency and accountability, particularly within the burgeoning e-commerce sector. The government has already taken steps to bring popular international platforms, such as the Chinese shopping site Temu, into compliance by registering them as legal entities in Thailand.
The Ministry of Finance and several other government agencies have implemented stricter measures aimed at enhancing oversight and enforcement. These include the Customs Department increasing VAT collection on low-value imports, ramping up container inspections, and enhancing border checks. Furthermore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has intensified product testing, while the Industrial Products Standards Office has expanded its monitoring of online retail platforms. The Office of the Consumer Protection Commission has also heightened efforts to safeguard consumer rights, ensuring that products sold meet required standards.
These measures have already begun to show positive results, with a 27% decrease in the flow of cheap goods imported from China through e-commerce channels. However, authorities recognize the need for continuous improvement and have outlined a longer-term plan for 2025 and beyond.
Key measures for the coming year include further strengthening law enforcement by increasing personnel and utilizing AI technology to enhance operational efficiency. Authorities also plan to expand laboratory testing facilities to ensure that a broader range of products can be tested for compliance. A new regulatory framework will also be introduced, allowing for stricter action against businesses that engage in illegal activities.
Collaboration with e-commerce platforms is also on the agenda. One of the primary goals is to implement a notice-and-take-down system, which would allow authorities to quickly remove non-compliant products from online marketplaces. This collaborative effort is designed to ensure that only legitimate, approved goods are available to Thai consumers.
Deputy Commerce Minister Napinthorn Srisanpang has praised the success of these initiatives, noting that they have already led to 747 legal actions and the seizure of goods worth over 11 billion baht. These results demonstrate the government’s commitment to combating illegal trade, improving market transparency, and protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses.
Through these enhanced enforcement measures, Thailand aims to level the playing field for both domestic and foreign enterprises. By rooting out substandard and counterfeit products, the government seeks to foster a fairer, more competitive market while ensuring consumer safety. The ongoing success of these measures is expected to increase the confidence of consumers and businesses alike, solidifying Thailand’s standing as a regional leader in trade and commerce regulation.
