Bringing Thai Laws Concerning Goods in Transit in Conformity with ASEAN and GMS Commitments

Abstract

As a contracting party of ASEAN, GMS and other international agreements relating to goods in transit, Thailand is required to comply with the commitment to ensure freedom of transit, exempting transit goods from customs duties and other charges, and provide unified customs procedures to facilitate goods in transit. Nowadays, ASEAN countries face obstacles in complying with different documentation and rules arising from ASEAN and GMS agreements which hinder facilitation of transit in the region. In Thailand, there are also overlapping rules and regulation. Certain provisions of transit remain opaque. The study aims to recommend a revamp of certain domestic regulations to comply with international commitments to promote international trade and enhance the cooperation among ASEAN countries.