Bangkok: A government spokesperson has refuted claims by "Dr. Ming" concerning the exploitation of import taxes on cheap foreign goods. The spokesperson clarified that while the Bhumjaithai government was responsible for conceiving and implementing the tax idea, the Pheu Thai government merely introduced measures to collect Value Added Tax (VAT).

According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, the Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, addressed a Facebook post by Dr. Prommin Lertsuriydet, Chairman of the Economic Committee of the Pheu Thai Party. Dr. Prommin claimed that the collection of import taxes on online goods from the first baht was an achievement of the Pheu Thai government. However, Mr. Siripong asserted that Dr. Prommin might have misunderstood the situation.

Mr. Siripong explained that the policy of taxing low-value imported goods, particularly those valued below 1,500 baht, was not a Pheu Thai government initiative. Instead, it originated during the administration of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, with guidelines provided by Mr. Ekniti Nitithanpraphas. The policy was designed to aid domestic businesses in competing fairly, generate revenue for national development, and enhance welfare for Thai citizens. It was a central component of Anutin's Quick Big Win economic policy.

Mr. Siripong further clarified that the issue has been under discussion for several years. In 2024, the Pheu Thai government agreed to the Ministry of Finance's proposal to collect VAT on imported goods valued under 1,500 baht, emphasizing that this was VAT, not an import tax.

To clarify, two types of taxes are levied on these products:

1. Value Added Tax (VAT): Introduced by the Pheu Thai government in 2024 and retained by the Bhumjaithai government, which considers it beneficial and has subsequently increased it.

2. Customs duties or import taxes: Implemented recently, this policy originated from the Bhumjaithai government to maximize benefits and was not initiated by the previous administration.

Mr. Siripong concluded that Dr. Prommin's assertion that these policies are solely the work of the Pheu Thai government might not be entirely accurate. Since the issue has been under discussion for an extended period, some governments might not have fully implemented all aspects. The Bhumjaithai Party plans to implement and expand upon any measures aligning with its approach.