Kudos to sumbum for noting.
Thus I've extended my research beyond my strife's opinion (always a dangerous action) and done some real research.
Yes, "consumers purchasing low valued goods from overseas suppliers <currently> do not need to pay 7% VAT (Current exemption)" VAT rules exempt goods that are exempt from customs duty, as goods with value under THB 1500 are exempt from duty.
When I purchase from an online retailer (Lazyda) In Thailand, although I try to source from seemingly local suppliers (noted on the offering page), the item may be in fact shipped to me directly from china, or from the local supplier (read chinese with a Thai nominee) having been sent for my order shipped by the local supplier.
Although most of the crap I buy from Lazyda comes from an overseas supplier (china) I am not the importer, as I am buying from Lazyda.
So is not Lazyda the consumer and liable for the imposition of the 7%VAT. If not Lazyda their "suppliers" are liable.
The chinese shell companies doing business in Thailand and importing small value items against my orders seem to be the ones evading the 7% VAT.
I still feel safe. The actual importer might have to factor the 7% into their pricing, or Lazyda may have to have a 7% add on to their order confirmation page.
In any event I won't be trotting down to the post office to pay VAT on my box of pins or cheap flashlight. Not that their made in Thailand.
I expect that as the final consumer it will be invisible and rolled into the price as it is when I buy a packet of condoms at the 7-11. Not that I need them.
As this is really about elephants, I won't be affected.