Tourism Revenue Dept Plans Travel Tax Incentives for Low Season

[snoop1130]

Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

The Thai Revenue Department is exploring tax incentives to stimulate tourism during the off-peak season, allowing travellers to deduct up to 15,000 baht from their taxable income. This initiative, led by Director-General Pinsai Suraswadi, is currently being discussed with the Tourism and Sports Ministry to determine eligible provinces.

 

The programme could apply to secondary cities, major cities, or potentially nationwide. However, there's concern that a blanket approach might lead to overcrowding in major destinations.

 

Pinsai mentioned that this proposed measure would be similar to last year’s scheme, offering deductions for travel expenses up to 15,000 baht (approximately 460 USD). Discussions are ongoing about whether to include corporate entities.

 

In related news, a memorandum of understanding was signed on 29 July among the Revenue Department, the National Science and Technology Development Agency, and Krungthai Bank. This collaboration aims to advance AI technology adoption within the department. Plans include enhancing tax collection efficiency and improving taxpayer services through AI.

 

From 2025 to 2027, the department aims to evolve into an AI-driven agency, with initiatives such as:

 

1. A voice-enabled AI chatbot for taxpayer queries.
2. AI tools for analysing tax collection data.
3. Digitalising paper records for faster processing and auditing.
4. Developing a "One Portal, One Profile" system for taxpayers.

 

As for tax collection, Pinsai reported revenue is nearing the state target with two months left in the fiscal year. The annual target stands at 2.37 trillion baht (approximately 73 billion USD). He noted the tax revenue reflects economic conditions, with sectors like modern trade thriving, while hire-purchase, transport, and automotive face difficulties.

 

These developments highlight Thailand's dual approach of boosting tourism during quieter months and integrating modern technology to enhance tax efficiency.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Thaiger 2025-07-30

 

 

[Will B Good]

7 minutes ago, snoop1130 said:

allowing travellers to deduct up to 15,000 baht from their taxable income

 

So no lowly Isaan farmers will be shooting off anywhere for their hols.

[TroubleandGrumpy]

About as likely to be as successful as the recent TAT disaster.  Besides it is only 2 months until October which is the traditional start of the high season. They take 3 months to decide what colour toilet paper to use in their Offices - no way this will happen so quickly.