Bangkok: The Commerce Ministry is strictly inspecting border checkpoints to prevent the smuggling of garlic and onions into Thailand, ensuring fairness for farmers.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Udom Srisomsong, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, revealed after visiting Chiang Rai Province on 5-6 June 2025, that he has been actively monitoring the border areas, including Chiang Saen Customs Checkpoint, Chiang Saen Commercial Port, TCC Pier (Ha Chiang), and Chiang Khong Customs Checkpoint. The focus is to prevent the illegal smuggling of garlic and onions into the country. Special inspection officers from the Department of Internal Trade have been directed to collaborate with the Provincial Commerce Office, Weights and Measures Inspectors, and local customs officers. They are tasked with inspecting the transportation of root crops, particularly in border areas known for cross-border agricultural product movement, as well as at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province. The inspection extends from the origin of transportation to the Thai Market in Pathum Thani Province, a major distribution center, and includes storage locations of root crop imp
orters in the border areas to ensure comprehensive inspections.
The inspection of agricultural product transport trucks, along with the review of documents and evidence of the origin and destination of the transport, has not revealed any smuggling of root crops. Operators are complying with legal standards. The department has requested cooperation from customs and local security agencies to strictly prohibit the smuggling of root crops. This initiative aims to prevent the problem of low agricultural product prices, increase farmers’ income, and maintain fair trade practices. Operators are reminded to adhere strictly to the law, and the department will continue to deploy special patrol officers for inspections. If any agricultural products are found to be smuggled, violators will face imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both, as stipulated by the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542. Farmers who experience unfair treatment in the sale of agricultural products, or those aware of any wrongdoings, are encouraged to report information to the De
partment of Internal Trade’s hotline 1569 or the provincial commercial office nationwide.