2 days ago
Thailand Sets Up One-stop Service Centre To Help Exporters Weather US Tariffs
BUSINESS
BANGKOK, Aug 13 (Bernama) -- Thailand has established the Ministry of Commerce One Stop Service (MOC OSS) Centre to assist Thai businesses in responding to United States (US) tariff measures, offering comprehensive trade services ranging from tax advisory to market expansion to help reduce export costs.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak said the initiative aims to drive forward the 'Reliable Commerce' policy, with the government serving as a dependable partner for Thai entrepreneurs at all levels — from small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to large corporations.
'The government is prepared to support entrepreneurs in every dimension — both proactive and reactive — to stand alongside Thai businesses, enabling them to adapt and maintain their competitiveness in global markets,' he said in a statement published on the Royal Thai Government website on Wednesday.
Anukool said the establishment of the OSS Centre is just one of several measures the government has put in place to address the impact of the US's 19 per cent import tariff.
At present, the OSS Centre brings together 12 agencies providing services on-site.
He said there are also plans to invite other ministries and organisations, including the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Chamber of Commerce, and the SMEs Association, to further expand service coverage.
'The OSS Centre is designed to be a comprehensive support hub for entrepreneurs, offering services ranging from tax advisory and remedial measures to information provision, business cost-reduction strategies, and the creation of new global market opportunities — enabling businesses to adapt swiftly to changing circumstances,' he said.
According to a presidential order issued by the White House on July 31, Thailand, along with four other ASEAN member states – Malaysia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and Indonesia – will be subject to the same 19 per cent tariff, effective Aug 1.
The new rate replaces the 36 per cent tariff announced in April, bringing Thailand's tariff treatment more in line with that of other regional economies.
