reprinted from:
Customs agents slammed for taxing
day-trippers Copyright 2000 The Bangkok Post The Nan Chamber of Commerce is concerned about the tourism image of the province after receiving complaints that customs officials in Thung Chang district collected taxes from tourists who bought fabric in Laos. Prakan Khaengvisit, the chamber's manager, said there were complaints customs officials set up checkpoints along the road to the Laos border and collected tax from tourists without giving receipts. The tax on each piece of fabric was 27-28 baht. Mr Prakarn said traders were also subject to the same rate of tax. He said the chamber of commerce would contact the provincial customs office for clarification. Suriyan Phanpanich, acting customs office chief of Thung Chang district, said the officials properly complied with the Customs Duty Act of 1987 and other relevant laws. Tourists are not exempted from tax duties on goods from abroad, he said. Thanapong Chakkapak, the Nan governor, said the customs
office was required to explain to the public concerned laws and regulations for
transparency and better understanding. |
