imports

  • Thailand NewsCommerce Ministry says pork prices are ‘bringing home the bacon’

    Commerce Ministry says pork prices are ‘bringing home the bacon’

    The Thai Ministry of Commerce has addressed concerns raised by Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan regarding the high cost of pork in Thailand compared to imported pork. This issue has led to significant expenses for consumers. Consequently, the ministry has instructed the Internal Trade Department to collaborate with relevant agencies to find solutions that balance and make the entire pricing chain fairer.…

  • AutomotiveCan you import your car into Thailand

    Can you import your car into Thailand

    Thinking of bringing your car to Thailand? Whether you’re relocating or planning an extended stay, importing your vehicle can be a complex process. Understanding the regulations and requirements is crucial to ensure a smooth transition. Thailand has specific rules for vehicle imports, including taxes, duties, and paperwork. From understanding customs procedures to knowing what documents you’ll need, we’ll cover everything…

  • Thailand NewsNew commerce minister vows to tackle high living costs, Chinese imports

    New commerce minister vows to tackle high living costs, Chinese imports

    New Commerce Minister Pichai Naripthaphan pledged immediate action to tackle high living costs, hasten free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations, and tighten control over the influx of Chinese imports. Pichai, after his first day in office, expressed readiness to collaborate with deputy commerce ministers Napintorn Srisanphang and Suchat Chomklin to address the pressing need to drive Thailand’s economy during a crisis.…

  • Thailand NewsPrawn stars: China approves import of live Thai giant shrimps

    Prawn stars: China approves import of live Thai giant shrimps

    China has approved the import of live Thai giant freshwater prawns, a significant boost for Thai farmers and the local economy. Thailand aims to enhance production and export efficiency to meet the increasing demand from international markets. The Department of Fisheries, led by Director-General Bancha Sukkaew, announced efforts to promote and improve the farming of giant freshwater prawns, a crucial…

  • Thailand NewsChon Buri restaurant owner finds stones in imported river prawns (video)

    Chon Buri restaurant owner finds stones in imported river prawns (video)

    A restaurant owner in Chon Buri discovered large river prawns stuffed with stones, warning other eateries to be vigilant. The prawns, imported from a neighbouring country, pose a risk of financial loss in the current economic climate. Pratchaya Prayad, the 37 year old owner of Klang Na Pla Khao restaurant in Nong Tamlueng, Phanthong, Chon Buri, shared a video warning…

  • Thailand NewsThailand launches anti-dumping probe on Chinese aluminium extrusions

    Thailand launches anti-dumping probe on Chinese aluminium extrusions

    Thailand’s Foreign Trade Department initiated an anti-dumping investigation into the import of aluminium extrusions from China. This move follows complaints from local steel manufacturers who claim that the surge in imports is detrimental to domestic production. Caretaker Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai stated that the investigation is part of a broader strategy by the ministry to address the influx of Chinese…

  • Politics NewsThai PM orders swift action on Chinese goods influx

    Thai PM orders swift action on Chinese goods influx

    Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin tasked Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai with fast-tracking measures this month to tackle the surge of Chinese goods into Thailand. Following the weekly Cabinet meeting held yesterday, August 13, PM Srettha announced that the Commerce Ministry would spearhead efforts to prevent substandard goods from entering the country. This initiative will be a collaborative effort with the Finance…

  • Thailand NewsTemu’s takeover: Thai e-commerce expert warns of price war

    Temu’s takeover: Thai e-commerce expert warns of price war

    The Thai e-commerce landscape is about to face a major upheaval, warns Pawoot Pongvitayapanu, CEO of Creden.co and PaySolutions. Speaking on Krungthep Turakij’s Deep Talk programme, Pawoot cautioned that the arrival of the Chinese online retail giant Temu on Monday could spell trouble for local retailers already battling fierce competition. Pawoot highlighted that while Thai consumers are already familiar with…

  • Thailand NewsThailand’s EV 3.0 policy faces major oversupply challenges

    Thailand’s EV 3.0 policy faces major oversupply challenges

    The Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) issued a cautionary note to electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers in Thailand, alerting them to the potential for a significant oversupply of EVs in the coming years. This warning arises from the production requirements stipulated under the EV 3.0 policy. This policy, which has been previously lauded for encouraging domestic EV production, offers import tax…

  • Thailand NewsBritish couple outraged over price of Heinz Beanz in Thailand (video)

    British couple outraged over price of Heinz Beanz in Thailand (video)

    A British couple holidaying in Thailand discovered that home comforts come at a shocking price abroad. Mark and Nadine, originally from the UK and Ireland but residing in Australia, embarked on their tropical getaway only to be floored by the cost of a simple can of Heinz Baked Beanz. While perusing a local supermarket, the pair stumbled upon the familiar…

  • Thailand NewsThailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis

    Thailand imports shrimp from Ecuador amid local production crisis

    Thailand, once the world’s leading shrimp exporter, now finds itself importing shrimp from Ecuador. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin directed the Department of Fisheries to investigate and report back in the next Cabinet meeting. The nation, which used to produce and export 600,000 tonnes of shrimp annually, now produces only 200,000 tonnes. This significant decline has necessitated the importation of shrimp,…

  • Thailand NewsThailand to impose VAT on all imported goods from July onwards

    Thailand to impose VAT on all imported goods from July onwards

    Thailand’s Ministry of Finance announced the collection of value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods, which aims to address disparities between foreign and domestic sellers in terms of tax obligations, effective from July 5 to December 31, 2024. The Royal Thai Government Gazette published the Ministry of Finance’s declaration today, June 24. The declaration focuses on customs duty exemptions for items…

  • Business NewsVintage vibes: Public hearing revs up classic car imports

    Vintage vibes: Public hearing revs up classic car imports

    The Foreign Trade Department has initiated a public hearing on a proposed amendment to a notification that would allow the import of certain classic cars for promotional events. The department’s Director-General, Ronnarong Phoolpipat, announced that a new notification has been drafted for the Commerce Ministry concerning this category of used vehicles. The amendment addresses restrictions on specific used vehicle imports,…

  • Business NewsVAT on all imports over 1 baht gets Cabinet approval

    VAT on all imports over 1 baht gets Cabinet approval

    A proposal by the Ministry of Finance to impose value-added tax (VAT) on all imported goods valued at over 1 baht has received approval in principle from the Cabinet. This measure aims to curb the influx of inexpensive imported goods, particularly from China, that are saturating the domestic market. Government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke announced that the new threshold will be…

  • Business NewsChina’s imports and exports rebound showing positive shift in April

    China’s imports and exports rebound showing positive shift in April

    After experiencing a contraction in the previous month, China’s imports and exports rebounded in April, according to customs data released today. This positive shift indicates a promising enhancement in both local and international demand, providing a vital lift to the nation’s fragile economic recovery. The upswing in data suggests that the numerous policy support measures introduced in recent times are…

  • Business NewsThailand’s steel industry threatened by surge in Chinese imports

    Thailand’s steel industry threatened by surge in Chinese imports

    The EAF Long Product Steel Producers Association raised concerns about the future of Thailand’s steel industry as local manufacturers face potential closure. This comes as a result of a surge in steel imports from China, which has resulted in a reduction of capacity utilisation to a mere 28% between January and February. The association’s president Chaichalerm Bunyanuwat urged for immediate…

  • Business NewsThai customs to impose VAT on all postal imports

    Thai customs to impose VAT on all postal imports

    The Customs Department of Thailand next month is set to begin levying value-added tax (VAT) on all imported goods sent through postal services, regardless of the items’ value. This move comes in response to low-priced imports from China that have been flooding the market, providing an unfair edge as domestic producers are taxed. Currently, imported goods sent via postal services…

  • Business NewsThai government profits from increasing Philippine rice imports

    Thai government profits from increasing Philippine rice imports

    As the Philippines’ demand for rice imports swells, the Thai government is capitalising on this increasing requirement. The Southeast Asian country is set to import more rice this year than previously estimated, providing a lucrative opportunity for Thailand’s rice export market. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai has thus instructed the Department of Foreign Trade (DFT) and the commercial attaché in the…

  • Business NewsThai government plans 7% VAT on imported goods from May

    Thai government plans 7% VAT on imported goods from May

    The Thai government, under the directive of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin, is preparing to implement a 7% value-added tax (VAT) on imported goods valued at 1 baht and above, starting in May. Currently, goods sold for less than 1,500 baht (US$40) per parcel and imported into Thailand are exempt from VAT. Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat announced these plans after…

  • Business NewsGovernment considers corn import ban to combat PM2.5 dust pollution

    Government considers corn import ban to combat PM2.5 dust pollution

    A potential ban on corn imports from neighbouring countries next year is being considered by the government to tackle the escalating issue of PM2.5 fine dust pollution in the northern regions. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently visited Chiang Mai to assess the preventive actions and updates provided by government agencies regarding wildfire and haze prevention measures. The prime minister has…

  • Business NewsThai govt to review ASEAN-China FTA amid business concerns

    Thai govt to review ASEAN-China FTA amid business concerns

    The Trade Negotiations Department and Team Thailand, a government body focused on bolstering economic growth, have been directed by the Commerce Ministry to undertake a comprehensive study of products under the ASEAN–China Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA). This comes in response to concerns over the surge of low-cost Chinese goods in the domestic market. Commerce Minister Phumtham Wechayachai announced the ministry’s…

  • Business NewsThai authorities tackle surge in cheap Chinese imports

    Thai authorities tackle surge in cheap Chinese imports

    A surge in cheap Chinese products flooding Thai markets, particularly through e-commerce platforms, has prompted Thai authorities and organisations to seek measures to protect local producers. The influx has negatively impacted local small manufacturers of household goods and has boosted calls for the Revenue and Customs departments to expedite their efforts in controlling this wave of low-cost goods. Prime Minister…

  • Business NewsForeign trade dept tightens inspection of tapioca chip imports

    Foreign trade dept tightens inspection of tapioca chip imports

    Tightened inspections of tapioca chip imports are being enforced by the Foreign Trade Department, following the discovery of a dozen importers smuggling in substandard chips. Ronnarong Phoolpipat, the department’s director-general, revealed that the department had increased inspections at national border areas since November, being the peak sales period for tapioca chips. The operations aim to address a persistent smuggling issue…

  • Business NewsFTI urges protection for SMEs against cheap Chinese imports surge

    FTI urges protection for SMEs against cheap Chinese imports surge

    The Federation of Thai Industries (FTI) is advocating for enhanced protection of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) against the surge of inexpensive Chinese products. Kriengkrai Thiennukul, FTI chairman, revealed that the importation of these products has caused certain local manufacturers, predominantly SMEs, to cut their production by 50%. The FTI asserts that some imported goods require comprehensive inspection, as they…

  • Business NewsSoutheast Asia capitalises on China’s Australian lobster ban

    Southeast Asia capitalises on China’s Australian lobster ban

    The protracted ban on Australian rock lobsters by Beijing has prompted Southeast Asian countries to capitalise on the opportunity, increasing their seafood exports to China. As the ban continues, the shift in sourcing may become irreversible, experts predict. New Zealand currently dominates the Chinese market for rock lobsters, holding nearly 40% of the total market share, based on data from…

  • Thailand NewsThai industries battle tide of cheap imports: Government gears up for tough measures

    Thai industries battle tide of cheap imports: Government gears up for tough measures

    In a bid to rescue Thailand‘s floundering manufacturing sector, the Thai government is gearing up for a fierce showdown against a deluge of low-priced imports that threaten to drown local industries. The Commerce Ministry’s crackdown, aimed primarily at products flooding in from China, promises to safeguard Thai manufacturers from the relentless assault on their market share. Thailand’s industrial output has…

  • Crime NewsBeefy business gone bad: Police probe 75 tonnes of rotten meat at local markets

    Beefy business gone bad: Police probe 75 tonnes of rotten meat at local markets

    An investigation into the sale of approximately 75 tonnes of rotting beef at local markets has been requested of the police. This action has been prompted by Atchariya Ruangratanapong, a crime probe activist, who has called on the Central Investigation Bureau to take legal steps against two shipping firms and five senior officials from the Livestock Development Department. It is…

  • Thailand NewsIguana import ban: Thailand takes action to curb environmental threat

    Iguana import ban: Thailand takes action to curb environmental threat

    The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP) has brought into effect an iguana import ban amid fears of rapid proliferation and potential environmental damage. The invasive species, discovered in vast numbers in natural habitats in the Lopburi province, have been causing distress to local communities by feeding on agricultural produce. The green iguana is an alien species with…

  • Business NewsImported goods: Thailand bolsters measures to safeguard local businesses

    Imported goods: Thailand bolsters measures to safeguard local businesses

    The Thai Industry Ministry is intensifying its measures to thwart the entry of low-priced, inferior imported goods into Thailand in the forthcoming six months, to safeguard local businesses and consumers. The measure comes on the heels of a report highlighting the negative impact of such low-quality imported goods on Thai entrepreneurs across various sectors and consumers, according to Industry Minister Pimphattra…

  • Thailand NewsUS to import Thai pomelos, Australia greenlights cooked duck imports

    US to import Thai pomelos, Australia greenlights cooked duck imports

    The United States is set to import Thai pomelos next month, while Australia has granted permission to import cooked duck from Thailand after years of negotiation, as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives. Rapeepat Chantarasriwong, the director-general of the Department of Agriculture, revealed that the US approved the import of irradiated fresh pomelos from Thailand without any strain…