Thailand’s cabinet approved a plan to restore standard customs rates on more online purchases, with some duties rising to 30% as the government seeks to aid local businesses, the Bangkok Post reported Tuesday.
The Bangkok Post cited Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas in reporting the cabinet’s approval. Customs Department Director-General Phantong Loykulnanta said the expanded collection regime is expected to begin early next year. It will cover parcels delivered by express services or international mail, and each product’s tariff classification will determine the rate.
The new schedule would replace a Customs Department notice that lowered or waived duties on some goods arriving in online orders. Plastic products would move from 20% to 30%, while headphones and microphones would rise from 10% to 30%. Women’s handbags and fitness equipment also face increases: from 20% to 30% for handbags and from 10% to 30% for the equipment. Clothing would remain at 30%; jewelry would increase from zero, while sunglasses would rise from 5% to 30%, the Bangkok Post reported.
Loykulnanta said the department expects the measure to generate 6.3 billion baht in revenue. He described support for Thai small and medium-sized businesses as one of its goals. Nitithanprapas said e-commerce has made foreign products more accessible to consumers in Thailand, intensifying price competition and making it harder for Thai businesses to compete. The Bangkok Post also reported that Loykulnanta said the new system complies with the Asean-China free-trade agreement.
Previously exempt imports under 1,500 baht became subject to Thailand’s 7% value-added tax and customs duties starting Jan. 1, 2026. The Customs Department works with major e-commerce platforms and express and postal services to collect taxes automatically at checkout or when parcels arrive, according to the Bangkok Post. The wider tariff regime is expected to take effect early next year, Loykulnanta said.
