Bangkok: The government has intensified its efforts to curb smuggled goods, yielding more than 24,000 cases in just eight months. The crackdown, spearheaded by the Excise Department under the Ministry of Finance, aims to eliminate untaxed goods and enhance transparency within the tax system.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Sasikarn Wattanachan, Deputy Government Spokesperson, emphasized the government's commitment to the 'Zero Tolerance: Goods that avoid excise taxes must be zero' policy. The Excise Department is employing proactive measures to both suppress and investigate illegal activities. The strategy includes leveraging technology through the Online Product Suppression Center and collaborating with external agencies to enforce the Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560.
In a recent operation, the Chonburi Excise Office Area 1 successfully apprehended a shop in Chonburi Province for selling illegal cigarettes. Authorities confiscated 26,360 packs, resulting in an excise tax of 1,279,850.86 baht and fines totaling 19,197,762.90 baht. These actions are considered violations under Sections 203 and 204 of the Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560, addressing the sale and possession of untaxed goods.
In the first eight months of fiscal year 2025, the Excise Department reported a total of 24,550 cases, marking a 12.29 percent increase from the previous year. The collected fines amount to 568.98 million baht, with estimated fines reaching 3,749.81 million baht. The cases are categorized as follows:
1. Tobacco: 10,966 cases, including 382,680 domestic and 3,024,554 foreign packs.
2. Liquor: 10,585 cases, with evidence of 70,990.098 liters of domestic and 21,893.882 liters of foreign liquor.
3. Oil and oil products: 986 cases, totaling 959,671.700 liters.
4. Motorcycles: 846 cases, with 3,661 vehicles.
5. Playing cards: 392 cases, with 19,119 decks.
6. Fragrances and cosmetics: 193 cases, with 124,728 bottles.
7. Cars: 187 cases, with 951 vehicles.
8. Batteries: 177 cases, totaling 409,808 pieces.
9. Beverages: 141 cases, with 56,324.092 liters.
10. Other goods: 77 cases.
Ms. Sasikarn urged public cooperation in reporting any illegal activities concerning untaxed products. Reports can be submitted to the Excise Department or Excise Offices nationwide, via the 24-hour hotline 1713, or through the website www.excise.go.th. The government assures confidentiality for informants and aims to foster a fair tax system, enhance government revenue collection, and bolster confidence in the country's economic framework over the long term.