Car import tax scam has cost state B60bn, hearing told

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Car import tax scam has cost state B60bn, hearing told

Published: 16 Oct 2012 at 16.55
Online news: Local News

A tax evasion scam on imports of luxury vehicles involving more than 100 government officials has cost the state at least 60 billion baht in lost revenue, a parliamentary committee was told on Tuesday.

Pol Col Dusadee Arayawuthi, deputy permanent secretary for justice, told the senate subcommittee probing corruption in transport that 10,000 high-end automobiles, mostly from Britain, had been brought into Thailand every year since 2008.

The combined tax loss was around 60 billion baht, given that each vehicle is supposed to be taxed at one million baht or more, he added.

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swlh

Discussion 17 : 17 Oct 2012 at 07.0317
Disc 13

Spot on .
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Datchburut
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Discussion 16 : 17 Oct 2012 at 01.5216
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Discussion 7: "Maybe here the prices are high because they don't want people to have a car." On the contrary: the government is pouring millions of baht into subsidies for people buying their first car. Moreover, a car is a status symbol, so everyone wants to have one and most normal people get loans from banks paying them of over many many years. Of course taxes are high on imported cars because cars are manufactured in Thailand and those have to be sold first. Both the social and economic systems make sure that the government and the car manufacturers are sure to make loads of money, as is to be expected in a pure and unchecked capitalist economy.
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victor Careford

Discussion 15 : 17 Oct 2012 at 00.4215
And what exactly is going to be done about the crooked politicians and customs officers? Yeah, you guessed it, nothing!
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nickjam
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Discussion 14 : 16 Oct 2012 at 22.3814
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My neighbour yesterday proudly showed me his 'new' 10 year old BMW. It cost him 400,000 baht!!! When I told him the same car would cost me about £500 in the UK his face dropped. I agree with many posters that the import tax in Thailand is off the scale and it's no wonder that people try to circumvent the laws. Still, by the laws of this country it's still a crime and it's no surprise that the main perpetrators are the people in power. Respect to Pol Col Dusadee for raising the issue but maybe time for some fairer import laws.
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gabs

Discussion 13 : 16 Oct 2012 at 20.1713
Guys , in Thailand import tax for toys , that kids play 27 % ! That a total rip off !

you want the scam end !! Ban used import !! Only new , an list price from factory !!! Will end corruption very fast !!!

I'm economist , I see this every day !!
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jwatch
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Discussion 12 : 16 Oct 2012 at 20.0612
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why not lower the tax instead of selling us stripped down overpriced cars with none of the safety features available in other countries
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DickFarang
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Discussion 11 : 16 Oct 2012 at 19.4211
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@ Discussion 1 (englishbob):

Who needs a new style BMW Mini Cooper anyway ?

When I still lived in Europe prices started around 20,000 Euros, a real shame for such a small car.
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upena
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Discussion 10 : 16 Oct 2012 at 19.4210
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Another day, another scandal
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swlh

Discussion 9 : 16 Oct 2012 at 19.399
Can anyone newer the question why the ripoff tax is so high..
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swlh

Discussion 8 : 16 Oct 2012 at 19.388
How much have they made ripping everyone off over the years with the outrageous taxation more than 60Bn I would say.
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Car import tax scam has cost state B60bn, hearing told | Bangkok Post: news