Study on the Policy for Preventing the Illegal Import of Supercars, 2003-2022

Abstract

This research aims to study: 1) the actors and the status of the issue regarding the illegal import of supercars in Thailand during 2003-2022; 2) measures and efforts to prevent, address, and control the illegal import of supercars during 2003-2022; and 3) the integration and interaction of actors influencing the development of mechanisms and measures in the formulation of state policies for preventing, addressing, and controlling the illegal import of supercars during 2003-2022. This is a qualitative research study using document analysis and in-depth interviews with 10 experts involved in the issue. Selected through purposive sampling, and data were analyzed using content analysis.

The research results found that: 1) Problematic Situation, divided into: (1) Actors and problems arising from the government: 1. The high taxes imposed on supercars, which are a major reason for tax avoidance. 2. Gaps in the state's vehicle valuation system that make it easier for supercar importers to smuggle in luxury cars. 3.The government loses significant revenue due to tax evasion on supercars. (2) Actors and problems arising from the private sector: 1. Cars stolen from abroad and sold in Thailand, with Thai individuals involved in the smuggling network. 2. Cars that are assembled locally, but in reality, the entire car is imported without customs clearance. 3. Cars undervalued for customs declaration, as well as vehicles registered under student status. 4. Independent car dealers setting prices lower than the market value. 5. Fraudulent practices such as issuing purchase orders or price quotations lower than the actual transaction price. (3) Actors and problems arising from the public: 1. The Customs Department seizes vehicles. 2.The inability to transfer ownership of seized vehicles. 3. Consumers are burdened with debt after taking loans to purchase these vehicles. 4. The cars may be auctioned off by the government. 5.There are no measures in place by government agencies to compensate consumers if problems arise. 2) Measures for prevention, resolution, and control, divided into two parts: (1) policy in the form of legal measures: the government has implemented policies to prevent the illegal import of supercars through the enactment of tax control laws, orders, regulations, and various legal provisions. (2) policy in the form of institutional control measures: this involves behavioral control and operational guidelines for enforcement, including: 1. the customs department has implemented the 'Tax Compliance Verification Program' for businesses. 2. Customs laws mandate the payment of bribes or reward fees to officials and informants (undercover agents). 3.Interactions of Actors: (1) interaction between the government and the private sector. (2) Interaction between the government and the public. (3) Interaction between government agencies. (4) Interaction between the private sector and the public.