Bangkok:The Thai Chamber of Commerce has expressed its support for government measures aimed at regulating online imported goods to ensure fair competition in the market. The chamber emphasizes the importance of controlling product standards to help upgrade Thai small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and defining the role of e-commerce platforms in inspecting sellers and products.
According to Thai News Agency, Dr. Poj Aramwattananon, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Federation of Thai Chambers of Commerce, revealed that the chamber agrees in principle with the government's initiative to improve the collection of import duties on goods sold through e-commerce platforms, with tariffs potentially reaching up to 30%. The initiative is intended to promote fair trade and reduce competitive disparities, especially for Thai SMEs and retailers facing intense competition from imported products.
The chamber points out that while some online imports might exploit duty collection and product inspection loopholes, these regulatory adjustments represent a significant move towards equitable competition, applying the same rules to both Thai and foreign businesses. However, they stress that taxation alone is insufficient. The government is urged to verify product standards and safety, define e-commerce platform responsibilities for inspecting sellers and products, and link data between relevant agencies to prevent substandard products and tax evasion effectively. The aim is not only to raise import costs but to enhance the competitiveness of Thai businesses.
Dr. Poj further noted that this strategy aligns with the Reinvent Thailand initiative, which seeks to restructure the economy and boost national competitiveness. The Thai Chamber of Commerce is prepared to act as a bridge between public and private sectors to implement practical measures for fair trade and developing Thai entrepreneurs for sustainable growth. The ultimate goal is to foster an environment where products meet standards and Thai businesses are empowered to compete on their own strengths.