The Ministry of Commerce in Thailand is ramping up its efforts to strengthen the oversight of agricultural product imports in an attempt to tackle smuggling in the country.

 

The Internal Trade Department’s deputy director-general, Chakra Yodmani, noted that his agency has instituted measures to control the flow of 10 different crops, including paddy and milled rice, government stockpiled rice, fresh cassava roots, tapioca chips, cassava seedlings or cuttings, palm oil, animal feed corn, wheat and barley, mature coconuts and coconut products, as well as onion and garlic. The aim is to deter smuggling and unlawful import activities.

 

Controlled areas have been established at customs checkpoints and several border locations. To transport goods beyond these controlled zones, proper authorisation is required.

Chakra stated that checkpoints are in place along transportation routes to verify permits and monitor for excessive amounts being transported. Offenders will face penalties, he warned.

 

by Alex Morgan

Picture courtesy of Page 3 News Facebook

 

Full story: https://thethaiger.com/news/business/thailand-boosts-oversight-of-agricultural-imports-to-tackle-smuggling

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-22

 

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If there is smuggling on food imports the correct way is not have better customs checks.

It is to review the import regulations and duty...there must be something very wrong when people start to smuggle onion like narcotics...

 

Doing their best to protect the farmers from inferior seed rice..

Edited June 22, 20233 yr by Isaan sailor

You want to stop the backhanders  first and the problem would be solved. Simple 

1 hour ago, h90 said:

If there is smuggling on food imports the correct way is not have better customs checks.

There's half the problem already... 

I remember years ago getting a minibus from Jim's place in Penang to Hat Yai town center, the Thai guy did a big detour to pick up 5kg of garlic just before the penang bridge, claiming it was more than half the price of that in Thailand with a big smile. I would of thought a commodity like garlic across a small border would be broadly similar in price? does someone have a monopoly on it in thailand? surely tax cant be a significant factor?

5 hours ago, sherwood said:

You want to stop the backhanders  first and the problem would be solved. Simple 

The greater paradox will consist of middleman mafia that work with both sides - smugglers/importers and the Thai officialdom. In these cases, everyone's a winner [profitable]. Business is business regardless of supposed illegalities or regulated protocol. 

 

For the Thai authorities to speak of oversight and stemming the tide is purely rhetorical and moot.

Makes for good news copy, though. 

It's great to see Thailand taking steps to strengthen oversight of agricultural imports and combat smuggling. It's essential to protect the interests of local farmers and maintain the integrity of the market.

On 1/4/2024 at 2:07 AM, Goeronix said:

It's great to see Thailand taking steps to strengthen oversight of agricultural imports and combat smuggling. It's essential to protect the interests of local farmers and maintain the integrity of the market.

I came across resopp-sn.org, which might have more information or discussions related to this topic. It's always reassuring when authorities are vigilant and enforcing measures to ensure fair trade practices. Let's hope these efforts lead to a more transparent and secure agricultural trade environment.

Edited January 7, 20242 yr by Goeronix