RANONG, Thailand — Thai authorities have seized more than 530,000 items worth about 149 million baht ($4.6 million) that were allegedly being stored for shipment to Myanmar, according to local media reports.
The goods were seized during a raid on a warehouse in Ranong province led by the Investigation and Suppression Division of the Ranong Customs Office, under Thailand’s Customs Control Division 1.
The seized items included diesel generators, car and motorcycle parts, bicycle components, engine oil, electrical equipment, coils of electrical wire, cosmetics and medicines, the report said.
A Myanmar national familiar with the case said the authorities had seized the goods on Aug. 17. The items were still within the permitted storage period and could potentially be released if the owner came forward and paid the required taxes, the person said.
“If no one contacts the authorities by the end of August, I heard the goods will be confiscated,” the person said, speaking about the case.
Thai authorities are preparing to take legal action under the 2017 Customs Act and regulations governing untaxed goods, according to the report.
If the goods remain in storage beyond the legally permitted period, they may be classified as tax-evaded goods and subject to confiscation and further legal action. The owner may be allowed to pay the applicable taxes, subject to the authorities’ decision.
















