Immigration Bureau steps up measures to combat luxury goods smuggling

BANGKOK, Aug 27 (TNA) -- The Immigration Bureau has announced that it will be coordinating with the Customs Department to take action on luxury goods smugglers at all international airports. Deputy spokesman for the Immigration Bureau said that Pol Lt Gen Sutthipong Wongpin the commissioner of the Immigration Bureau has ordered all immigration officers to coordinate with customs officials to raise security screens at all international airports after the government announced the measures to seriously tackle smuggling and tax evasion in all its forms. The strict measures were launched after it was discovered that more and more online shops were running profitable businesses by hiring 'mules' to carry brand name items to fulfill preorders through Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang international airports. Accordingly, Pol Lt Gen Sutthipong made the order to upgrade security measures in conjunction with collaboration with customs officials at airports in the country. The main travelers being prioritized by immigrations and customs officials are those who make frequent visits to Singapore, Hong Kong and France in order to bring in brand name luxury items as carry on baggage to sidestep import taxes. As a matter of course, narcotics trafficking enforcement at all national airports will also play an integral part in the effort. (TNA)