Customs increases penalties for "counterfeit goods" falsely claiming to be made in Thailand, with a fine of 5 baht.

The Customs Department has intensified penalties for smuggled marijuana, imposing a fine of 30,000 baht per kilogram, following seizures of over 445 million baht worth of contraband in 69. The penalties for counterfeit goods falsely claiming to be produced in Thailand have also been increased, with a fine of 500,000 baht. These changes will take effect from June 17, 69.

On June 18, 2569, Mr. Panthong Loykulnan, Director-General of the Customs Department, revealed that the Customs Department has been implementing the government's policy, under the leadership of Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Dr. Ekniti Nitithanprapas, to enhance the prevention and suppression of smuggling of illegal goods. Emphasis is placed on intercepting the smuggling of cannabis and the fraudulent use of origin claims for exported goods, in order to strengthen the country's image and build credibility and confidence among foreign trading partners in Thailand.

In fiscal year 2569 (October 2568 – May 2569), the Customs Department seized and arrested offenders in 2,983 cases of cannabis smuggling, totaling 35,011 kilograms with a total value exceeding 445 million baht, and this number is expected to continue increasing. Previously, the primary measure against offenders in such cases was to confiscate the seized goods for the state. As a result, in some cases, offenders still assess that the risk of committing such an offense is not high compared to the potential profit, due to the very high market price of cannabis at the destination country.

Therefore, the Customs Department has increased the strictness and decisiveness of penalties, setting fines at 30,000 baht per kilogram of seized marijuana and confiscating the seized goods for the state. This has been in effect since June 17, 2569.

Smuggling cannabis is not only against the law but also damages Thailand's image, as many countries still consider cannabis an illegal drug with severe penalties. This increased punishment aims to deter and reduce the incentive to commit the offense, preventing Thailand from being used as a collection point or transit route for cannabis to other countries. It also aims to enhance international confidence in Thailand's measures to prevent and intercept illegal exports, thereby maintaining the country's image and credibility on the international stage.

In addition, the Customs Department has increased the penalties for providing false information about the origin of goods, or for falsely claiming the country of origin by declaring goods as manufactured in Thailand for export to other countries.

A fine of 500,000 baht has been imposed, and all preferential benefits have been suspended, as this action could seriously impact Thailand's credibility in international trade and may lead to retaliatory trade measures or increased scrutiny of Thai goods by trading partners.

Currently, many countries place great importance on verifying the origin of goods, especially during periods of global trade sensitivity affected by tariffs and trade barriers. Therefore, fraudulently claiming correct origin is not only a violation of customs laws but can also cause damage to honest Thai businesses and harm international confidence in Thailand.

“These revised penalties reflect the Customs Department’s commitment to rigorously preventing and suppressing customs offenses, while simultaneously maintaining international trade standards, ensuring fairness for businesses that comply with the law, promoting exports, and strengthening confidence in Thailand’s trading system, as well as maintaining a positive image of the country in the international trade arena sustainably.”

Read news related to the economic situation across Thailand here.