Thailand’s Border Trade with Neighboring Countries

In the first four months of 2017, Thailand’s border trade with its neighbouring countries was valued at 354.6 billion baht, an increase of about 4 percent over the same period in 2016.

Out of the value, 222.3 billion baht involved exports, up by 10.5 percent, and 132.3 billion baht involved imports, a decline by 4.6 percent. Thailand gained a trade surplus of 90 billion baht with neighbouring countries during the period.

The country has common borders with Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia, with its provincial customs offices supervising cross-border trade. All the customs offices also have temporary and permanent border checkpoints to facilitate border trade, which is considered important for enhancing the country’s competitiveness.

Thailand’s border trade with Malaysia from January to April 2017 was worth 186 billion baht, an increase of 14.5 percent over the same period of 2016. Major Thai exports to Malaysia include rubber and rubber products, iron and steel, electric-circuit boards, and processed wood. Imports from Malaysia include computers, industrial machines, auto parts, and air-conditioners.

In the first four months of this year, border trade with Myanmar was valued at 58.5 billion baht, a decrease of 10.3 percent. As for border trade with Laos, it was valued at 65.5 billion baht, an increase of 0.4 percent. Thailand’s border trade with Cambodia was valued at 44.5 billion baht, a decline of 5 percent.

Its border trade with the four neighboring countries in 2016 was valued at one trillion baht, 605 billion baht of which involved exports and 407.9 billion baht imports. Thailand gained a trade surplus of 197 billion baht in border trade over the previous year.

Commerce Minister Apiradi Tantraporn stated that the Government has a policy to promote Thailand’s border trade with neighboring countries and ease obstacles to exports. It is well aware of the value of good relations with neighboring countries through economic, social, and security cooperation.

Thailand attaches great importance to developing relations with neighboring countries in every dimension and at all levels, under the concept of "Stronger Together.” It is ready to move forward with the four neighboring countries, which are also members of ASEAN. The Ministry of Commerce has played an important role in facilitating trade contact between Thai entrepreneurs and their counterparts in those countries.