Bangkok: Get ready to shop abroad! The government has announced import taxes starting from 1 baht, beginning in 2026. The public is warned that the government will collect taxes on imported goods from foreign countries with a value of 1 baht or more, starting January 1, 2026, in order to create fair competition for Thai small businesses. The government confirms that this will not add any burden to the tax payment process for online shoppers.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Lalida Periswiwatana, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister’s Office, revealed that from January 1, 2026 onwards, the government will begin enforcing the collection of Value Added Tax (VAT) and import duties on all imported goods with a value of 1 baht or more. This eliminates the previously used import duty exemptions in order to create fair trade and protect Thai businesses.
The deputy spokesperson clarified that currently, until December 31, 2025, only 7% VAT will be collected, without import duties. From 2026 onwards, both VAT and import duties will be collected according to the customs tariff codes of the goods.
Regarding public inquiries about how the tax will be collected and whether there will be delays in delivery, the deputy spokesperson stated that the tax collection procedures are already in place and will not cause any delays in receiving goods.
For imports via Thailand Post, customs officers will assess the tax on the box. If the recipient is home, they can pay the tax immediately via QR code. However, if pickup at the post office is required, an additional 3-5 days may be needed for inspection, especially in cases of random inspections.
In the case of imports via courier services, the courier company will declare and pay the taxes in advance, while the recipient will reimburse the amount upon receipt of the goods. The overall shipping time remains similar to the original schedule.
The deputy spokesperson stated that the key rationale behind the measure is to reduce under-declaration of prices, prevent tax evasion, and deter the import of unusually cheap goods that negatively impact the domestic market. It is expected to generate at least 3 billion baht in annual revenue for the government and enhance the competitiveness of Thai businesses.
Furthermore, many online platforms have begun adjusting their systems to collect VAT at source during the ordering process, to facilitate the process for the public and reduce the complexity of paying taxes at the destination.
The deputy spokesperson reiterated that the public and businesses should prepare in advance, especially importers of goods for sale, as import duties will increase depending on the type of product from 2026 onwards. She affirmed that the government is proceeding with this measure cautiously, transparently, and with due consideration to the impact on the public.