BANGKOK, Thailand – The Customs Department hosted a forum in Bangkok to gather input from key trade and logistics stakeholders on improving customs procedures and enhancing Thailand’s import–export efficiency. Held in partnership with the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and private-sector associations, the event helped identify obstacles and propose practical solutions to streamline trade processes and reduce costs for businesses.
The forum was chaired by Customs Department Director-General Phantong Loykulnanta and attended by senior representatives from customs brokerage, freight forwarding, air cargo, shipping, and transport associations. Discussions focused on regulatory reform, alignment with international standards, faster customs clearance, and better coordination across transportation modes, with a particular emphasis on rail. Authorities also highlighted efforts to improve refund and reimbursement timelines and reviewed options for enabling Inland Container Depots to directly clear export cargo.
Participants were also briefed on recent measures introduced by the Customs Department, including the enforcement of import duty collection from the first baht of declared value—a policy effective since January 1, 2026—which has already generated more than 300 million baht in revenue.
The event, hosted under the theme “A New Dimension of Customs—Co-thinking, Co-creating, Upgrading Imports–Exports Toward Quick-Win Outcomes,” made clear the government’s intent to drive tangible progress through dialogue between the public and private sectors. Input gathered from the forum is expected to accelerate the department’s efforts to increase transparency, enhance trade facilitation, and support long-term economic growth both domestically and internationally. (NNT)
