BANGKOK, Thailand – The government is stepping up enforcement against illegal excise goods nationwide, with 32,812 cases recorded during the first 10 months of fiscal 2026. Authorities imposed fines totaling 901.82 million baht, while the estimated fines for the cases reached about 4.51 billion baht. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangchan reported that the Excise Department, under the Ministry of Finance, is coordinating with security agencies and other authorities to investigate the smuggling and distribution of untaxed goods. The enforcement follows directives from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.
Tobacco offenses accounted for more than 61% of all cases between October 1, 2025, and July 31, 2026. Authorities recorded 20,160 tobacco cases, imposed fines of 609.39 million baht, and estimated potential fines at about 4.38 billion baht. More than 4.86 million packs of tobacco products were seized during the period. Authorities will continue investigations, intelligence gathering, and enforcement operations covering all categories of excise goods, with illicit cigarettes receiving close attention. The government expects the crackdown to curb the trade in untaxed products, protect state revenue, and maintain fair competition for businesses that comply with tax laws. (NNT)
