sport infrastructure and an extensive state-run rail system. There are numerous shipping ports including Bangkok's Klong Toey Port and the Eastern Seaboard's Mab Ta Phut and Laem Chabang deep-sea ports within 200 kilometres of Bangkok. Working HoursTypical business hours are : for banks and financial institutions, Monday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.; Government offices, Monday -Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (closed noon - 1 p.m.); private business, Monday - Friday from 8:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.IMPORT POLICIESTariffs The Royal Thai Government (RTG) has been reducing import duties and trade barriers as part of its obligations as a founding member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and as a member of the Association of South East Asian Nations' (ASEAN) Free Trade Area (AFTA).Import licensing A Factory Establishment Licence must be obtained from the Ministry of Industry. Fees depend on machinery power rating and the number of employees.Customs barriersArbitrary customs valuation procedures constitute another barrier to U.S. exports. The Thai Customs Department may use as a check price the highest previously invoiced price of a product imported from any given country and may disregard actual invoiced values in favor of the check price for assessment purposes.GOVERNMENT PROCUREMENTOn June 6, 1995, the Thai Cabinet approved a policy to require, on a case by case basis, countertrade on government procurement contracts valued at over 500 million baht ($20 million)EXPORT SUBSIDIESThailand maintains several programs that subsidize exports, including preferential financing for exporters. Thailand's export-import bank, established in September 1993, is responsible for some of these programs, particularly the packing credit program.LACK OF INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS PROTECTIONOne of the most prominent trade issues between the United States and Thailand has been the extent of Thailand's protection for U.S. copyright, patent and trademark holders. ...
