The Excise Department in Thailand is embarking on a vigorous campaign to enforce a zero-tolerance policy against excise tax evasion, particularly homing in on infractions involving excise laws. Deputy Finance Minister Paopoom Rojanasakul has thrown his weight behind efforts to thwart the smuggling of goods that bypass tax payments, a typical scenario unfolding across borders and through burgeoning online channels. The department’s unwavering resolve to prosecute and levy actions against those indulging in the illicit trade of smuggled goods is palpable, mirrored in the burgeoning number of seizures occurring countrywide.
A new chapter unfolds as a memorandum of understanding is inked with Global Jet Express (Thailand) Co. and KEX Express (Thailand). The essence of this partnership lies in its blueprint to foster collaboration in scrutinizing, seizing, and confiscating contraband goods. This coalition is poised to act decisively against the sneaky maneuvers of smuggling via delivery services, aimed at dodging excise taxation.
Under this pact, the department has been armed with the authority to investigate packages suspected of harboring tax-evading contents. This initiative is critical as instances of evasion spill over onto social media platforms and find sanctuary within private courier services. Traditionally, the explorations into courier packages were shackled by the necessity for search warrants, a hurdle now set to ease.
Between October 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, marking the first six months of fiscal 2025, a significant 18,254 cases of illegal excise goods seizures have transpired, looming at a 13.7% year-on-year spike. The fascinating world of fines amassed is staggering, adding up to an estimated 2.7 billion baht. Diving into specifics, alcohol reigns supreme in the heart of these cases, commanding an impressive 46% share, followed closely by tobacco at 41.6%. A tally of illegal altercations unveils the seizing of 8,396 illicit booze shipments, cradling 65,241 liters of homegrown spirits alongside 14,348 liters of foreign blends. The tobacco plot thickens with 7,597 unauthorized shipments seized, encompassing 298,002 domestic packs and a hefty 2.12 million packs of foreign allure.
The tales of tax ne’er-do-wells don’t stop at spirits and smokes; it stretches its tendrils into motorcycles, automobiles, playing cards, perfume, cosmetics, beverages, oils, oil products, and even batteries, as relayed by the eye-witness account of Bangkok Post.
In adjacent news from the tax sector, a saga surrounding a Thai steel manufacturer is unfurling. The drama takes flight as the Department of Special Investigation opens a probe into claims of the company fabricating over 7,000 deceptive tax invoices. This deceit-ridden escapade, tagged at over 200 million baht, is believed to have seen the company craft false documentation in the clandestine months stretching from July 2015 to March 2017. The regional revenue office lodged a formal grievance on April 3, leveling charges against the steel player for wielding fraudulent invoices to sneakily claim tax credits, an act which tiptoes into the realms of criminal activity under Thai jurisprudence.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the pulse of Thailand’s news, the stories weave an intricate mosaic of events. From the locals of Pattaya quizzing the silence shrouding Songkran traffic preparations to former guards resorting to robbery to fuel gambling escapades and Songkran festivity excesses. The cityscape of Bangkok isn’t spared—from garbage sweepers embroiled in street skirmishes to a nosy K9 team wrapping a collapsed building search in the already chaotic morning hours.
The chronicles of public works continue—contractors with a penchant for rule-bending brace for blacklisting by the Finance Ministry. The road of life sees little reprieve; a motorcyclist’s life is snuffed post-collision with a cement post and watery pond in an unfortunate incident in Chon Buri, which also witnesses a lottery winner claiming a grim posthumous draw.
Business arenas resonate with tales of excise crackdowns with a towering 2.7-billion-baht fines; the police operation snubs a cool 3 million baht worth of cigarette smuggling racket, and an enterprising bust in Phuket involving gnarling threats over alleged land grabs. The kid gloves come off for a 13-year-old Thai boy experiencing a fatal end over a yaba squabble, while tribulations of a woman with Alzheimer’s culminate in a tragic pitfall.
The latest yarns of Thai commerce vibe with news of slope-thwarting US imports amidst a dizzying 36% tariff on exports, while the heart stops and resumes with horror on Thai roads—tales of death spring from crashes, pond-toppings, and hardened lottery luck.
This mosaic of life, law, and the intricate elements of trade intertwine in a polarizing ballet of foibles and enforcement, laying bare the pulse of Thailand’s bustling socio-economic juggernaut on this brisk April day in 2025.
It’s about time Thailand started cracking down on tax evasion. Too many businesses have been skirting the law for years.
I agree, it’s crucial for the economy. But I’m concerned about how this might impact small businesses struggling to make ends meet.
Small businesses might face challenges, but if they’re following the law, they have nothing to worry about.
Let’s not be too quick to judge. There are many layers to this issue, including corruption within the tax system itself.
The focus on social media and courier services is interesting. But I wonder if they’re invading privacy too much with these package checks.
If social media and couriers are used for smuggling, they need to have checks in place. It’s not privacy when you’re breaking the law.
True, but there needs to be a balance. How do they ensure they’re not targeting innocent people?
The partnership with shipping companies could help set standards and ensure fairness in investigations.
How will this affect the international image of doing business in Thailand? Might make foreign investors think twice.
If anything, it might improve Thailand’s image. Showing they’re serious about financial integrity can be attractive to serious investors.
It’s a double-edged sword. Greater integrity but possibly tighter regulations. Investors will weigh the pros and cons.
The sheer volume of smuggled alcohol and tobacco is staggering. The government’s war on drugs seems puny in comparison.
It’s an indication of rampant demand for these goods. Perhaps more needs to be done to address demand too.
Maybe revisiting the tax rates on such items might be key. Lower taxes might reduce the incentive for smuggling.
The article’s emphasis on how much money is being collected in fines says it all. It’s a money-grab, plain and simple.
The steel manufacturer fraud story is almost overshadowed by the crackdowns. Are they linked in any way?
Unlikely, they’re just both about tax evasion. But it does paint a picture of pervasive financial issues within the country.
It’s shocking to see how many illegal shipments are seized. But are these numbers transparent and reliable?
My heart aches for that 13-year-old boy caught in drug-related tragedy. Such senseless loss of life linked to the black market.
The illegal markets tend to have such devastating effects. It’s a social issue as much as it’s economic.
It shows how deep-rooted illicit activities are in communities. Need to tackle from grassroot levels.
Has anyone considered that cracking down too hard might push these activities further underground?
It’s a risk, but isn’t doing nothing worse? We need to find a balance.
The overall narrative seems to miss the point. Why are people driven to smuggle in the first place? Tackling root causes should be priority.
I don’t believe in zero-tolerance policies. They often backfire and harm more than they help.
Interesting how the government takes a firm stance against smuggling but is quiet about other forms of corruption.
That’s always the case, isn’t it? Pick and choose the battles that make the most noise.
Sure, but hey, we need to start somewhere.