Anyone else tired of the increasingly unfair import duty into Thailand?

[yellowboat]

Thai duties make Thailand uncompetitive in most respects to small and medium size businesses. The inbred elites of the country do not care as they do not pay it anyway. It is a problem for the little people.

Short term you are right of course, but longterm thats not the case.

Explain the long term. How is it not the case in the long term ?

[OMGImInPattaya]

So write to your representative at the European Parliament with your concerns...why are you posting your concerns on a Thailand based travel /expatriate forum?

[alanrchase]

Well a Benz costs much more here in Thailand then in the EU. Same as wine or anything imported.

I grew up in EU while having some Foster Parents brothers in Thailand, my parents supported them financially. Now they let me pay 10-times the Thai price when i want to visit a national park here together with my Thai wife/family.

Yes it's not fair but what can you do?

Met a German couple in the south of France many years ago. Driving a Porche 924. As a Brit was a flash car, to them it was a cheap runaround.

[connda]

Yes.

And this would have been good to set up as a poll. But there are holes in the system that can be exploited without breaking any laws.

Edited October 1, 2015 by connda

[glasswort]

To a point I can understand Thailand wanting to protect its own industries but I get very irritated at the excessive duties imposed on imported goods that are not manufactured in Thailand. Health foods are a good example. I have recently tried ordering goods on line from a website with a TH suffix but it is not in Thailand at all. No real surprise I suppose but when I tried to pay and check out I received the message that the company no longer sends goods to Thailand because of problems with import tax and the Thai Customs and Excise Department. Protectionism or people in high places not getting their cut?

[connda]

To a point I can understand Thailand wanting to protect its own industries but I get very irritated at the excessive duties imposed on imported goods that are not manufactured in Thailand. Health foods are a good example. I have recently tried ordering goods on line from a website with a TH suffix but it is not in Thailand at all. No real surprise I suppose but when I tried to pay and check out I received the message that the company no longer sends goods to Thailand because of problems with import tax and the Thai Customs and Excise Department. Protectionism or people in high places not getting their cut?

Have your goods sent to a friends in your country, and have them post in by first class air.

'Merchandise samples' is always a good thing to write on the customs form. Don't send more than you're willing to lose, like a 100 bucks or 80 quid. Customs generally does not put first class mail under the same scrutiny as it does private carriers (DHL, UPS) or priority mail (USPS International Express Mail), but first class isn't trackable either. I've never paid customs fees on anything sent via First Class Air. Can't say it will never happen, just hasn't happened yet. If it does, I pay the duty -- no big deal.

I don't think this will work if you're sending your BMW LoL

Edited October 1, 2015 by connda

[connda]

US made hand gun have a 400% duty and rifles/shotgun up to about 200%. Anyway, you can buy two good brand name US manufactured rifle/shotguns for the price of a S&W .38, and have change left over. They should up the quota on the number of firearms a Thai dealer can sell because it is a duty generator, but then again, my guess is that they want to limit the number of guns to only those more upscale folks who can afford the price tag, and who limit their use to home defense and competition shooting.

[alanrchase]

US made hand gun have a 400% duty and rifles/shotgun up to about 200%. Anyway, you can buy two good brand name US manufactured rifle/shotguns for the price of a S&W .38, and have change left over. They should up the quota on the number of firearms a Thai dealer can sell because it is a duty generator, but then again, my guess is that they want to limit the number of guns to only those more upscale folks who can afford the price tag, and who limit their use to home defense and competition shooting.

Haha.

[connda]

Yes the import duty in this country is very expensive. About 13 years ago the duty on powdered milk from Australia was over 500%. Im not sure about now.

The big problem with Thailand is because its a one way street all Thailand's way.

The car industry is moving out Nissan is going to Vietnam and Toyota has bought a parcel of land in Cambodia but I believe Toyota are moving a lot of there

manufacturing to the Philippines, Samsung have gone.

Where I live in Korat there is a lot of unemployment, people have lost their jobs and coming back to the village to live.

Lean times ahead for Thailand but thats OK they will just stick there head in the sand again.

not sure about the car industry moving out just yet. They have been making cars for a long time now and the Japanese car makers are well committed. but i could be wrong, if they are now planning some exits then it will be catastrophic news for Thailand. Cars are the second biggest industry for Thailand (just behind technology such as hard drives) so for it to move would mean thousands of companies at risk.

But what i would like to see is tougher duty rates for Thailand across EU and US.

Do the Thai also build cars with left-side steeringwheels? Or do they only produce for the UK?

Strange that France, Germany and Italy aren't protesting about imported cars.

Also i think thai produce is getting too expensive for Europeans, China is cheaper and of a higher standard.

For clothing Bangladesh is the king.

I don't understand Europe at all, they don't do anything to protect their jobs or citizens.Now they'll get the TTI- deal with the USA so we have to buy their crappy cars as well.

Production costs should go down in the EU considering the influx of cheap labor from the Middle East and North Africa Lmao. But then again, with the US and EU/UK destroying their middle class, I not sure who they plan on selling cars to in the not too distance future. When the average Joe is made into a feudal serf debt slave, who the heck is going to 'consume'.

[oxo1947]

Toyota have already closed one factory, Samsung have closed two factory's and Nissan have made the announcement a few weeks ago, they are all fed up with the B/S in this country.

Could you give me a link where Nissan...or any of the other Car manufactures are closing their multi billion Baht factories because they are fed up with Thailand BS...........would be a real interesting read, (if it wasn't for the fact that it doesn't exist)

The high tariffs on the import of cars is to protect the interests of Samsung, Nissan etc--tax brakes & promises that were given when they open the plants. If Samsung, Nissan are going to leave---there going to leave for a cheaper market for their produce---Just like Apple, left the USA. It wasn't helped by our favourite family deciding that in some cases the minimum wage should double.....300 baht.

They are not worried about the import of the odd Merc---they are worried about the import of the Chinese cars---Asked any Australian what that done to their industry. This hit there market about 3 years ago at a third of the price of other 4 wheel drives have a look http://www.gwm-global.com/

I imported some sport equipment a month ago....7% standard rate, lots of messing about & paper work as in every 3rd world country........when in the UK last year I imported my vitamins from the USA 20% (what the VAT is there now) + an admin fee.

All done very quickly no paper work etc........

Honestly you guys really just don't get tired of complaining about Thailand..........................

[yellowboat]

Yes.

And this would have been good to set up as a poll. But there are holes in the system that can be exploited without breaking any laws.

Yes , and none of use want to say what they are.

[8OA8]

The import tax levels vary hugely, depending upon the type of goods and country of origin.

For example, I recently imported some 'glamping' tents that were manufactured in the USA. The customs office correctly charged me 30% import tax, as stipulated in the Harmonisation Code HS database of import tax levels.

So when I needed additional tents, I sourced them from a Chinese company, having checked the import tax for those types of goods and country of origin.

As per the database, the FTA betweem Thailand and China applied and the correct import tax was 0%. I was charged an import tax of 0%.

The only downside is that these Chinese tents will probably fall apart after 3 years, whereas the USA tents have a 15 year guarantee...

No reason for a product manufactured in China to be of inferior quality than that of the one manufactured in the US. This of course is only applicable if the specification are the same and you do your QC at the manufacturer in China.

[alanrchase]

Are there any Pick ups that have no or little duty on them because they are manufactured in Thailand ?

You pay tax for suspension. Leaf springs cheap coiled springs expensive.

[GAZZPA]

Well a Benz costs much more here in Thailand then in the EU. Same as wine or anything imported.

I grew up in EU while having some Foster Parents brothers in Thailand, my parents supported them financially. Now they let me pay 10-times the Thai price when i want to visit a national park here together with my Thai wife/family.

Yes it's not fair but what can you do?

Amassing thing is you, like Thais and Americans ( you may be one of them), refer to the Benz. The last Benz manufactured was in 1923 so you are either a collector of vintage vehicles or just perhaps unable or unwilling to refer to the manufactures saloon car arm as Mercedes Benz.

Frankly I believe cars are still too cheap in Thailand especially the like of agricultural vehicles such as pick ups and the "Toytown" cars like the VIOS etc.

Quadruple the price by taxation. Increase the annual licence tax by a 1000% and get these riff raff of the roads so the likes of the general and myself can drive our more quality cars in comparative ease, and yes MB's are ten a penny so hardly exclusive and since the C and E class mass marketing, not quality either. That would be more fair would it not ? Bringing even more happiness to the Thai people surely.

And to directly address the subject no I am not tired of the unfair import duties as they are not unfair ! They are arbitrarily applied whether you are a Thai of Farang importing so same same.

You pay 10 times more to visit a National park. Thais get paid 10 times less than many nationals when working abroad so is that unfair or just market forces the same as applied here to higher entrance fees for foreigners. If you can't pay don't go, if you can then Kensiyism is working and indeed market forces come into play.

Have no clue what point you are making in your post. I hope / assume that it is full of sarcasm right?

[GAZZPA]

The import tax levels vary hugely, depending upon the type of goods and country of origin.

For example, I recently imported some 'glamping' tents that were manufactured in the USA. The customs office correctly charged me 30% import tax, as stipulated in the Harmonisation Code HS database of import tax levels.

So when I needed additional tents, I sourced them from a Chinese company, having checked the import tax for those types of goods and country of origin.

As per the database, the FTA betweem Thailand and China applied and the correct import tax was 0%. I was charged an import tax of 0%.

The only downside is that these Chinese tents will probably fall apart after 3 years, whereas the USA tents have a 15 year guarantee...

No reason for a product manufactured in China to be of inferior quality than that of the one manufactured in the US. This of course is only applicable if the specification are the same and you do your QC at the manufacturer in China.

I have been manufacturing in China for a long time and that is completely nonsense. The only time quality comes out of China is if a foreign company is sub contracting them and managing the entire process, including QC.

if it is a Chinese product from Chinese factory there is every reason to assume that the quality will be inferior as China has built its entire manufacturing base on high volume, low price, i,e, low quality. Does not matter what specification you request at the beginning.

[GAZZPA]

Toyota have already closed one factory, Samsung have closed two factory's and Nissan have made the announcement a few weeks ago, they are all fed up with the B/S in this country.

Could you give me a link where Nissan...or any of the other Car manufactures are closing their multi billion Baht factories because they are fed up with Thailand BS...........would be a real interesting read, (if it wasn't for the fact that it doesn't exist)

The high tariffs on the import of cars is to protect the interests of Samsung, Nissan etc--tax brakes & promises that were given when they open the plants. If Samsung, Nissan are going to leave---there going to leave for a cheaper market for their produce---Just like Apple, left the USA. It wasn't helped by our favourite family deciding that in some cases the minimum wage should double.....300 baht.

They are not worried about the import of the odd Merc---they are worried about the import of the Chinese cars---Asked any Australian what that done to their industry. This hit there market about 3 years ago at a third of the price of other 4 wheel drives have a look http://www.gwm-global.com/

I imported some sport equipment a month ago....7% standard rate, lots of messing about & paper work as in every 3rd world country........when in the UK last year I imported my vitamins from the USA 20% (what the VAT is there now) + an admin fee.

All done very quickly no paper work etc........

Honestly you guys really just don't get tired of complaining about Thailand..........................

Goodness me you are so blind. I have not stated that every single thing is unfair but there is a double standard.

Of course car manufacturers move in their interests of their business, they are not interested in being politically correct. the only time they care about politics is if instability effects their business.

What I am referring to is the assistance given to least developed countries from the EU that are now no longer "least developed" but are considered developing (Thailand). What we now find is that it is near impossible for EU manufacturers to export cars from the EU to Thailand as duty rates are ridiculous, however Thailand has now started exporting cars to the EU to continually expand its manufacturing.

Thailand is now one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, it does not need help anymore but it still gets it,,, it is time it opened its trade to the EU and played fair so they can expand and grow their manufacturing base.

If this doesn't happen there is only 1 way to go,, decline in EU manufacturing and continual growth in Thai manufacturing,,, get it?

[GAZZPA]

Yes the import duty in this country is very expensive. About 13 years ago the duty on powdered milk from Australia was over 500%. Im not sure about now.

The big problem with Thailand is because its a one way street all Thailand's way.

The car industry is moving out Nissan is going to Vietnam and Toyota has bought a parcel of land in Cambodia but I believe Toyota are moving a lot of there

manufacturing to the Philippines, Samsung have gone.

Where I live in Korat there is a lot of unemployment, people have lost their jobs and coming back to the village to live.

Lean times ahead for Thailand but thats OK they will just stick there head in the sand again.

not sure about the car industry moving out just yet. They have been making cars for a long time now and the Japanese car makers are well committed. but i could be wrong, if they are now planning some exits then it will be catastrophic news for Thailand. Cars are the second biggest industry for Thailand (just behind technology such as hard drives) so for it to move would mean thousands of companies at risk.

But what i would like to see is tougher duty rates for Thailand across EU and US.

Do the Thai also build cars with left-side steeringwheels? Or do they only produce for the UK?

Strange that France, Germany and Italy aren't protesting about imported cars.

Also i think thai produce is getting too expensive for Europeans, China is cheaper and of a higher standard.

For clothing Bangladesh is the king.

I don't understand Europe at all, they don't do anything to protect their jobs or citizens.Now they'll get the TTI- deal with the USA so we have to buy their crappy cars as well.

Production costs should go down in the EU considering the influx of cheap labor from the Middle East and North Africa Lmao. But then again, with the US and EU/UK destroying their middle class, I not sure who they plan on selling cars to in the not too distance future. When the average Joe is made into a feudal serf debt slave, who the heck is going to 'consume'.

A strong manufacturing base creates middle class wealth, this is what is happening in China and all of the other Asian countries who see rapid growth in manufacturing and exports.

So,it just goes to support my point. Unless the balance starts getting addressed soon the manufacturing base will continue to shrink in the West and middle class will dwindle further. Can you really see it gong any other way?

So, promotion of EU (and US) manufacturing needs to take place before it tips too far and it is already out of balance in my view due to ridiculous import rates.

I get tired of people who dont see it and argue against it.. Well, for me its all crazy,,,, the West has supported countries like Thailand for many years, now its time to play fair and Thailand is chucking to itself (probably thinking the EU and West are morons for not protecting their own interests).

[8OA8]

The import tax levels vary hugely, depending upon the type of goods and country of origin.

For example, I recently imported some 'glamping' tents that were manufactured in the USA. The customs office correctly charged me 30% import tax, as stipulated in the Harmonisation Code HS database of import tax levels.

So when I needed additional tents, I sourced them from a Chinese company, having checked the import tax for those types of goods and country of origin.

As per the database, the FTA betweem Thailand and China applied and the correct import tax was 0%. I was charged an import tax of 0%.

The only downside is that these Chinese tents will probably fall apart after 3 years, whereas the USA tents have a 15 year guarantee...

No reason for a product manufactured in China to be of inferior quality than that of the one manufactured in the US. This of course is only applicable if the specification are the same and you do your QC at the manufacturer in China.

I have been manufacturing in China for a long time and that is completely nonsense. The only time quality comes out of China is if a foreign company is sub contracting them and managing the entire process, including QC.

if it is a Chinese product from Chinese factory there is every reason to assume that the quality will be inferior as China has built its entire manufacturing base on high volume, low price, i,e, low quality. Does not matter what specification you request at the beginning.

Sorry for your troubles with manufacturing in China, however the relevant part to my statement was as follows "This of course is only applicable if the specification are the same and you do your QC at the manufacturer in China"

Perhaps I should have added 24/7 QC, but alas I didn't, as I have assumed that those who are buying from China are already aware of this requirement.

[oxo1947]

Toyota have already closed one factory, Samsung have closed two factory's and Nissan have made the announcement a few weeks ago, they are all fed up with the B/S in this country.

Could you give me a link where Nissan...or any of the other Car manufactures are closing their multi billion Baht factories because they are fed up with Thailand BS...........would be a real interesting read, (if it wasn't for the fact that it doesn't exist)

The high tariffs on the import of cars is to protect the interests of Samsung, Nissan etc--tax brakes & promises that were given when they open the plants. If Samsung, Nissan are going to leave---there going to leave for a cheaper market for their produce---Just like Apple, left the USA. It wasn't helped by our favourite family deciding that in some cases the minimum wage should double.....300 baht.

They are not worried about the import of the odd Merc---they are worried about the import of the Chinese cars---Asked any Australian what that done to their industry. This hit there market about 3 years ago at a third of the price of other 4 wheel drives have a look http://www.gwm-global.com/

I imported some sport equipment a month ago....7% standard rate, lots of messing about & paper work as in every 3rd world country........when in the UK last year I imported my vitamins from the USA 20% (what the VAT is there now) + an admin fee.

All done very quickly no paper work etc........

Honestly you guys really just don't get tired of complaining about Thailand..........................

Goodness me you are so blind. I have not stated that every single thing is unfair but there is a double standard.

Of course car manufacturers move in their interests of their business, they are not interested in being politically correct. the only time they care about politics is if instability effects their business.

What I am referring to is the assistance given to least developed countries from the EU that are now no longer "least developed" but are considered developing (Thailand). What we now find is that it is near impossible for EU manufacturers to export cars from the EU to Thailand as duty rates are ridiculous, however Thailand has now started exporting cars to the EU to continually expand its manufacturing.

Thailand is now one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, it does not need help anymore but it still gets it,,, it is time it opened its trade to the EU and played fair so they can expand and grow their manufacturing base.

If this doesn't happen there is only 1 way to go,, decline in EU manufacturing and continual growth in Thai manufacturing,,, get it?

Gappa---it may come as a complete surprise to you that Thailand does not export any cars to any country...... The owners of these cars Nissan, Chev...etc do---none of them are Thai cars...its not Thailand that has the double standard ---the import tax was part of the deal to make the companies produce here---it can not be changed. Tax the cars that are produced in Thailand & are sent to Euro & the Japanese will just move to a country that is not taxed as so. All multi companies do this, the VW that are driven around in the USA come from Brazil.....it has a lower import tax than Europe.

What I was trying to point out was that Thailand receives no money for the sales (it gets extra work) Your venom should be directed to the multinationals, Tell the Japanese no mater where they produce there cars in the world it will be the same tariff. Then you may be nearer the mark you want to achieve.......instead its just another kick at Thailand as if this government direct where the cars of Nissan etc go.

[2fishin2]

Toyota have already closed one factory, Samsung have closed two factory's and Nissan have made the announcement a few weeks ago, they are all fed up with the B/S in this country.

Could you give me a link where Nissan...or any of the other Car manufactures are closing their multi billion Baht factories because they are fed up with Thailand BS...........would be a real interesting read, (if it wasn't for the fact that it doesn't exist)

The high tariffs on the import of cars is to protect the interests of Samsung, Nissan etc--tax brakes & promises that were given when they open the plants. If Samsung, Nissan are going to leave---there going to leave for a cheaper market for their produce---Just like Apple, left the USA. It wasn't helped by our favourite family deciding that in some cases the minimum wage should double.....300 baht.

They are not worried about the import of the odd Merc---they are worried about the import of the Chinese cars---Asked any Australian what that done to their industry. This hit there market about 3 years ago at a third of the price of other 4 wheel drives have a look http://www.gwm-global.com/

I imported some sport equipment a month ago....7% standard rate, lots of messing about & paper work as in every 3rd world country........when in the UK last year I imported my vitamins from the USA 20% (what the VAT is there now) + an admin fee.

All done very quickly no paper work etc........

Honestly you guys really just don't get tired of complaining about Thailand..........................

Goodness me you are so blind. I have not stated that every single thing is unfair but there is a double standard.

Of course car manufacturers move in their interests of their business, they are not interested in being politically correct. the only time they care about politics is if instability effects their business.

What I am referring to is the assistance given to least developed countries from the EU that are now no longer "least developed" but are considered developing (Thailand). What we now find is that it is near impossible for EU manufacturers to export cars from the EU to Thailand as duty rates are ridiculous, however Thailand has now started exporting cars to the EU to continually expand its manufacturing.

Thailand is now one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, it does not need help anymore but it still gets it,,, it is time it opened its trade to the EU and played fair so they can expand and grow their manufacturing base.

If this doesn't happen there is only 1 way to go,, decline in EU manufacturing and continual growth in Thai manufacturing,,, get it?

FACT: Thailand IS NOT "one of the biggest car manufactures in the world." Not even remotely close. The rest of your argument is invalid. Edited October 1, 2015 by 2fishin2

[Tassie Norm]

Simply put - corruption. First hand knowledge of this. (Incidentally I was, in a previous life, a 30 year Customs Officer - 20 years investigation side). Forget the recognised, and adopted, international tariff system that Thailand is a signatory to. This is simply what I opened with - extortion - you want your 'stuff' - cough up......

[Doc46]

Thailand does not want you to buy products from other countries to import them,,,they don't make enough money from them,,,they want you to buy Thai made products sold in Thailand so all the money 100% + from the whole procedure stays in the country. (smart)

[islandguy]

"Also i think thai produce is getting too expensive for Europeans, China is cheaper and of a higher standard."

[Thian]

The import tax levels vary hugely, depending upon the type of goods and country of origin.

For example, I recently imported some 'glamping' tents that were manufactured in the USA. The customs office correctly charged me 30% import tax, as stipulated in the Harmonisation Code HS database of import tax levels.

So when I needed additional tents, I sourced them from a Chinese company, having checked the import tax for those types of goods and country of origin.

As per the database, the FTA betweem Thailand and China applied and the correct import tax was 0%. I was charged an import tax of 0%.

The only downside is that these Chinese tents will probably fall apart after 3 years, whereas the USA tents have a 15 year guarantee...

A bit offtopic but i wanted to buy a the North Face backpack in Thailand. It comes with 2 years warranty while in Europe it comes with lifetime warranty.

Why is that? I would think that topbrands like that have only 1 quality and 1 kind of service, worldwide.

[Thian]

Well a Benz costs much more here in Thailand then in the EU. Same as wine or anything imported.

I grew up in EU while having some Foster Parents brothers in Thailand, my parents supported them financially. Now they let me pay 10-times the Thai price when i want to visit a national park here together with my Thai wife/family.

Yes it's not fair but what can you do?

I always like to point out to them that back in Germany 95 % of the taxis are Benz. usually have to prove it with photographs.

Gets them really wound up when I say I can't understand why people would pay so much for a taxi.

Yes but it ain't true anymore, they also drive other brands now as taxi's.

I like to tell the Thai that Hoegaarden or Paulaner whitebeer costs 20 baht a big bottle in Germany...it's true if you buy them in crates in promotion.

In Thailand it costs like 120-130 baht for a Small bottle in the supermarket.

[GAZZPA]

Thailand does not want you to buy products from other countries to import them,,,they don't make enough money from them,,,they want you to buy Thai made products sold in Thailand so all the money 100% + from the whole procedure stays in the country. (smart)

its not smart, any country can do that but anyone who is smart knows that it is not a strategy that makes your country attractive for International trading.

As Thailand grows (as all Asian countries are), how long do you think EU and US will tolerate giving continued support for exports into their own countries whilst the door is closed for many of their own products? Bear in mind that Thailand is, at present the second largest country in SE Asia.

In my view support should have stopped already, and to some extent it has with the withdrawal of many GSP privileges, so it seems the EU and US agree but I think they should be doing more and doing it faster.

[GAZZPA]

Toyota have already closed one factory, Samsung have closed two factory's and Nissan have made the announcement a few weeks ago, they are all fed up with the B/S in this country.

Could you give me a link where Nissan...or any of the other Car manufactures are closing their multi billion Baht factories because they are fed up with Thailand BS...........would be a real interesting read, (if it wasn't for the fact that it doesn't exist)

The high tariffs on the import of cars is to protect the interests of Samsung, Nissan etc--tax brakes & promises that were given when they open the plants. If Samsung, Nissan are going to leave---there going to leave for a cheaper market for their produce---Just like Apple, left the USA. It wasn't helped by our favourite family deciding that in some cases the minimum wage should double.....300 baht.

They are not worried about the import of the odd Merc---they are worried about the import of the Chinese cars---Asked any Australian what that done to their industry. This hit there market about 3 years ago at a third of the price of other 4 wheel drives have a look http://www.gwm-global.com/

I imported some sport equipment a month ago....7% standard rate, lots of messing about & paper work as in every 3rd world country........when in the UK last year I imported my vitamins from the USA 20% (what the VAT is there now) + an admin fee.

All done very quickly no paper work etc........

Honestly you guys really just don't get tired of complaining about Thailand..........................

Goodness me you are so blind. I have not stated that every single thing is unfair but there is a double standard.

Of course car manufacturers move in their interests of their business, they are not interested in being politically correct. the only time they care about politics is if instability effects their business.

What I am referring to is the assistance given to least developed countries from the EU that are now no longer "least developed" but are considered developing (Thailand). What we now find is that it is near impossible for EU manufacturers to export cars from the EU to Thailand as duty rates are ridiculous, however Thailand has now started exporting cars to the EU to continually expand its manufacturing.

Thailand is now one of the biggest car manufacturers in the world, it does not need help anymore but it still gets it,,, it is time it opened its trade to the EU and played fair so they can expand and grow their manufacturing base.

If this doesn't happen there is only 1 way to go,, decline in EU manufacturing and continual growth in Thai manufacturing,,, get it?

FACT: Thailand IS NOT "one of the biggest car manufactures in the world." Not even remotely close. The rest of your argument is invalid.

looks like you are right, if Wikipedia is to be believed it is number 14 country in 2014,, but it has doubled output in the last 10 years whilst many other countries have cut back.

i somehow had it in my head that Thailand was in the top 10.

[gemguy]

And that folks is the reason why smuggling and under invoicing and tax and import duties evasion is rampant and in effect amongst the many reason all kinds of associated corruption exists....because of old rules and import regulations stubbornly enforced by small minded government policies and the nefarious officials that sustain those policies, rules and laws.

If the duties were less, far less or a blanket 5% then nearly all companies or people would pay that amount....but that is not the case so there is a huge amount of smuggling going on and all that is entailed ...including a significant amount of money being spent and resources allotted trying to curb a problem that could be eliminated by applying far less taxes on imported items.

But that is not going to happen and we all know why......

So...we are all just talking based on wishful thinking

However.......actually there has been various items over the last 30 years where they did lower or eliminate the import duties on numerous items that did help stimulate certain industries.

Cheers

[8OA8]

Thailand does not want you to buy products from other countries to import them,,,they don't make enough money from them,,,they want you to buy Thai made products sold in Thailand so all the money 100% + from the whole procedure stays in the country. (smart)

its not smart, any country can do that but anyone who is smart knows that it is not a strategy that makes your country attractive for International trading.

As Thailand grows (as all Asian countries are), how long do you think EU and US will tolerate giving continued support for exports into their own countries whilst the door is closed for many of their own products? Bear in mind that Thailand is, at present the second largest country in SE Asia.

In my view support should have stopped already, and to some extent it has with the withdrawal of many GSP privileges, so it seems the EU and US agree but I think they should be doing more and doing it faster.

Remember of course that even once the Import Duty in Thailand has been lowered, Thailand still has the option to impose non-tariff trade barriers.

Take a look at something as simple as Duck imports into the EU, ever wonder why Thailand can export to EU, yet Australia cannot.

There's a very simple non tariff barrier, something that a country like Thailand can manage to work it's way around (legally) to accessing that lucrative EU market.

[CharlieH]

I got charged once for my own goods, not a purchase made outside of Thailand, it was an item made and bought in Thailand, sent to someone overseas, that they returned to me.

I got charged import duty/tax. When challenged and explained, the response "do you want it or not" !

I said no as the "extras" were more than what it actually cost.

Item was never seen again.