1 minute ago, FritsSikkink said:

If you work, they deduct money for Social Security, so you DO pay.

I gladly pay more VAT to support the elderly.

If you are too lazy to read the post, don't assume things.

Why would I read your post, if not quoting me. My original post was simply pointing out to the ignorant people replying, complaining about a VAT increase, that it wasn't. Just a discontinuation of discounted VAT.

If you and the other poster, hadn't quoted me, I wouldn't have returned to the thread. One assumed I was ignorant, and you calling me stupid, because I, like you, don't pay for healthcare insurance.

Just classic AN replies, off topic, and messenger attacks.

Just now, KhunLA said:

Why would I read your post, if not quoting me. My original post was simply pointing out to the ignorant people replying, complaining about a VAT increase, that it wasn't. Just a discontinuation of discounted VAT.

If you and the other poster, hadn't quoted me, I wouldn't have returned to the thread. One assumed I was ignorant, and you calling my stupid, because I, like you, don't pay for healthcare insurance.

Just classic AN replies, off topic, and messenger attacks.

I DO pay for health insurance

On 2/15/2026 at 8:44 AM, scorecard said:

First step would be to remove and ban the 4 yrs in Aust. jail drug runner now serving as a deputy PM.

Who was voted in by a huge majority in his home province. It's called democracy.

THE supposed bastion of democracy elected a convicted (in his own country) felon as President.

Most village shops don't charge VAT that is only shops using electronic registers mainly in urban areas. Yes there are urban poor but most shop in markets and the like so an extra 3% won't effect the majority.

23 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

You have no clue about VAT.. you pay vat on everything... It is most of time included in the price and if not you will see it on the bill seperatly. Only tourists can vlaim thdir VAT back, but nobody else.. so every price is going up 3% in case you missed it....your electricity bill, water, everything will be more expensive. And VAT is totally something else than income tax. If you were a bit informed you should know that

Oh no, so instead of things currently being super cheap they will become super cheap + 3% for us farangs with an income from farangland, what are we going to do, we are all going to die. 😃

I was back in the UK for six months last year, now I know how cheap things are here for us farangs, eg a meal in a restaurant for two in the UK plus a few beers last year £110 = 4675 baht.

Another example, a BYD Atto 3 electric car Thailand 699k baht (a giveaway price) , in the UK 1.8 million baht.

Property rents in the UK, for example I rent out a two bedroom flat, two baths, gym, concierge, I get £1700 a month, that is expensive compared to Thailand.

6 minutes ago, VocalNeal said:

Who was voted in by a huge majority in his home province. It's called democracy.

THE supposed bastion of democracy elected a convicted (in his own country) felon as President.

Most village shops don't charge VAT that is only shops using electronic registers mainly in urban areas. Yes there are urban poor but most shop in markets and the like so an extra 3% won't effect the majority.

You really don't know who does or doesn't submit the VAT to the govt., or if they claim all sales and submit all VAT due. That it isn't broken down in a receipt means nothing. If broken down in a receipt, doesn't mean the VAT is submitted to the govt either. It's not like the registers are connected to or monitored by the tax dept.

Tax collection, a large part of it, is based on the honor system. Especially sales, VAT, and income tax, as the govt has no way knowing, in most cases, how much is due to them.

If only I could believe that this tax rise will really go to the benefit of the elderly.

9 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

The pensioners can if their allowance will be 5 fold.

Let’s just see if that actually happens shall we?

The way I read the article, the government intends to raise its revenue base, realised it needed a palatable reason for doing so, and trotted out the old people reason. Hard to argue against more money for old folk.

But I am a cynic and time will tell just how much more money old folk get, if anything.

On 2/15/2026 at 1:58 PM, Gaccha said:

Bingo. VAT is a highly regressive tax. It hurts the poor more than the rich.

In addition, the aim of the tax is to increase the wealth of the old at the cost of the working young, right when the population is aging and the young already are shrinking relative to the old.

Rubbish. It’s a growth tax that rises as GDP and the economy grows and is much more efficient than all other taxes and levies. The biggest tax dodgers in every country are the rich. With a VAT they can’t avoid paying, so it mops up some of the black market. Pensions are way too low and if this raises them to 3000 baht per month then it’s great. The young and working always bear the responsibility of supporting the aged and infirm in all developed countries. Look at Singapore and what achieved in a generation.

1 hour ago, KhunLA said:

Tax collection, a large part of it, is based on the honor system. Especially sales, VAT, and income tax, as the govt has no way knowing, in most cases, how much is due to them.

Yes to a point but anyone working in the cash only business still needs to buy supplies and materials likely from reputable sources who will be charging them VAT so they’re not avoiding it entirely.

2 hours ago, Travel Dude said:

Did you read the article? Old people's state benefits will go up from thb 600 to thb 3000. That is 500%, not 2%. That would be very welcome.

I don't believe that... The Government never is giving so much raise....Daily wages can't even be raised properly.. I believe it that the elderly will get 3000 THB when they get get

1 hour ago, JamesPhuket10 said:

Oh no, so instead of things currently being super cheap they will become super cheap + 3% for us farangs with an income from farangland, what are we going to do, we are all going to die. 😃

I was back in the UK for six months last year, now I know how cheap things are here for us farangs, eg a meal in a restaurant for two in the UK plus a few beers last year £110 = 4675 baht.

Another example, a BYD Atto 3 electric car Thailand 699k baht (a giveaway price) , in the UK 1.8 million baht.

Property rents in the UK, for example I rent out a two bedroom flat, two baths, gym, concierge, I get £1700 a month, that is expensive compared to Thailand.

compare the income in the UK with that of a Thai.... than you can get real outcomes... In the UK and EU are things more expensive but the people earn a lot more too..

2 hours ago, Travel Dude said:

You seem to know nothing about the Thai Taxation. Only 10% of businesses in Thailand are registered in the VAT system.

And for additional info, only 6% of the population in Thailand pays income tax.

I think I know more than you think... the problem only is that the tax department doesn't work and has no clue who is living where, what his/her assessments are and what work they do and how much they earn....and there is mare VAT you pay than you think....gaz. electricity, water all have VAT check your bill

18 minutes ago, Brettoj said:

Yes to a point but anyone working in the cash only business still needs to buy supplies and materials likely from reputable sources who will be charging them VAT so they’re not avoiding it entirely.

Actually VAT charged against wholesale purchase, by businesses, for retail sales, is tax deductible for the business buying, basically a registered businesses can typically claim the paid tax as "input tax" to offset "output tax" collected from sales, making it a pass-through cost, thus a 'pass thru' tax.

Emphasis on 'registered' business, and back to the honor system. Can't avoid (all) taxes and death. But we try, when not agreeing on what it's spent on.

Post breaking forum rules removed.

@Sydebolle rule 14. You will not post slurs, degrading, or overly negative comments directed towards Thailand, Thai people, Thai culture,Religion, Thai institutions such as the military, judicial or law enforcement system, or specific locations within Thailand.

On 2/15/2026 at 8:38 AM, scorecard said:

But you miss the point that all people in Thailand; very poor Thais, Thais and foreigners all pay VAT on many items of goods and services.

The very poor and poor Thais can't pay an extra 3% VAT when they are salready struggling to survive.

When one of their major costs is supporting old aged relatives.

On 2/15/2026 at 9:41 AM, scorecard said:

So Mr. Anutin let's see some new ideas and foolproof methods to stop corruption, collusion and bribery, including strong and serious punishment for the senior officials for their corrupt activities and for allowng the more junior offficials to engage in this activity.

He is part of the problem.. .he hatrs foreigners just likes their money....time and time again he has shown how useless he is. ......try getting rid od corruption so the country attracts FDI and spreads the tax revenue base...jacking up existing taxes will only put further strain on existing sources of revenue. .tourism and foreigners looking to retire will now focus on vietnam and the philippines.

On 2/15/2026 at 7:17 AM, TorquayFan said:

IMO this intent is to be applauded. Totally.

A Pension of B600 per month is pathetic and imo it's inappropriate for us Falang to feel aggrieved by a small raise in Tax, (given many of us might be benefitting from Pensions of B30,000 per month and upwards).

Well done Thailand ! Might be a move in the right direction . . . .

I'm repeating this earlier post because, it's such a brilliant idea, (to increase the Thai pension to B3,000).

To those who grumble about possible corruption when VAT rises, well maybe, (it's Thailand), but that won't affect the Pensioners who will still be entitled to the B3,000.

And to those who say, "ah but the Pensioners will have to pay extra VAT too" - well yes, but at worst, that would mean the Pensioners paying the Govt. an extra B258 from the extra B2,400 they would receive, broadly a benefit of B2K plus -that's wonderful for them !!

Pension of B600 @ 7% = VAT B42 pm.

Pension of B3,000 at 10% = VAT B300 pm.

So to the ten + tightwads who gave the dreaded red finger to my original post' applauding this proposal, I say, shame on you ! The vast majority of Falang Pensioners living in Thailand are likely to be on a minimum of B30,000 monthly, TEN TIMES THE PROPOSED THAI PENSION.

'Tightwad' is putting in politely !!

Thanks Guys - all good fun . . . .

15 hours ago, scorecard said:

13 hours ago

I guess no escape for us expats then.

Escape what?

What were you expecting / what makes you not satisfied?

Escape paying tax.

We certainly are within the tax base they want to expand.

Not satisfied that they are going to tackle tax evasion.

12 hours ago, Patong2021 said:

VAT and GST are the most effective means of addressing the black market of untaxed goods and services. It ensures that everyone pays something

By definition the black market pays no tax at all. Nothing will change there.

13 hours ago, FritsSikkink said:

The economy is growing and it is time that all people pay a bit of tax.

Why?

I don't subscribe that a working person should give a percentage of their income to the government.

A functional government should not need to be supported by their citizens with the exception of times war. If you study history that was why taxes were introduced. Now it has become a cash cow to support government inefficiency.

As some people have said , the public service beaurocracy exists to provide jobs for those that would otherwise be unemployable.

Thailand’s value-added tax (VAT) to 10% aims to boost government revenue and enhance welfare benefits for senior citizens Yeah right like the government’s gonna help benefit senior citizens what it should’ve said is where they put more money in the politicians pocket here cause you’re also honest TIT

1 hour ago, TorquayFan said:

I'm repeating this earlier post because, it's such a brilliant idea, (to increase the Thai pension to B3,000).

To those who grumble about possible corruption when VAT rises, well maybe, (it's Thailand), but that won't affect the Pensioners who will still be entitled to the B3,000.

And to those who say, "ah but the Pensioners will have to pay extra VAT too" - well yes, but at worst, that would mean the Pensioners paying the Govt. an extra B258 from the extra B2,400 they would receive, broadly a benefit of B2K plus -that's wonderful for them !!

Pension of B600 @ 7% = VAT B42 pm.

Pension of B3,000 at 10% = VAT B300 pm.

So to the ten + tightwads who gave the dreaded red finger to my original post' applauding this proposal, I say, shame on you ! The vast majority of Falang Pensioners living in Thailand are likely to be on a minimum of B30,000 monthly, TEN TIMES THE PROPOSED THAI PENSION.

'Tightwad' is putting in politely !!

Thanks Guys - all good fun . . . .

Simplicity .... This is not how VAT works...... It is not on you income but on the articles/services you buy...example 1000 THB with 7% VAT bills makes 1070 THB with 10% VAT it makes 1100 THB... a raise of 30 THB...same for water, gas, petrol and all other products you buy.. It will make daily life more expensive..... and with a result that prices are rising...and we all know that 1 THB more will not calculated it will be at least 5THB...we could see it if we buy noodles and the gas price is 60 THB more expensive my noodles rise 5 THB ....

On 2/15/2026 at 4:57 AM, Georgealbert said:

The plan, reported on Saturday, February 14, 2026, suggests the higher rate could generate an additional 200–300 billion baht annually.

From that I'd derived that the current VAT (7%) generates only 567 to 700 Billion ?! Anyhow increase is long overdue, 3000 Baht a month for the old folks is still only a fraction of what's needed. Also with "official" inflation is given as near 0, maybe not the worst timing.

On 2/15/2026 at 10:42 AM, connda said:

Senior Citizens who require "welfare benefits" will be among those who get hammered by a 10% highly regressive VAT tax.

Consumption taxes are not regressive, they're progressive. Rich people consume more than poor people hence consumption taxes are deemed to be the most equitable form of taxation.

The legitimate concern is where the money will end up going, and how much of it actually gets there. They really should have invoked the name of the children for proper effect.

This tax and pension increase will ease the burden on young people who provide financial support to their aged parents, so there is a societal benefit. I'm not at all keen on the exit taxes. There are too many other countries with weaker currencies and less schizophrenic visa rules that could prove to be better alternatives to Thailand. Tourism numbers are down, so let's screw the people who do show up.

3 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I was back in the UK for six months last year, now I know how cheap things are here for us farangs, eg a meal in a restaurant for two in the UK plus a few beers last year £110 = 4675 baht.

But that's what I pay in Bangkok. When dining out with the wife and kids, our bill is consistently in the 5 to 6K range. No gourmet/luxury Fuji, Wine Connection, Monsoon, Savoy, Amritsar, etc..

On 2/15/2026 at 4:57 AM, Georgealbert said:

to boost government revenue and enhance welfare benefits for senior citizens

Or cut Defense budget 10% per annum. Bingo.

4 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

I think I know more than you think... the problem only is that the tax department doesn't work and has no clue who is living where, what his/her assessments are and what work they do and how much they earn....and there is mare VAT you pay than you think....gaz. electricity, water all have VAT check your bill

To some extent this is an aside, but it is also indicative of the attitude of the tax dept. I recently wanted to open a new bank account in Singapore and the bank asked me for a tax identification number for the country in which I am resident. Which is Thailand.

So I filled in the required form( which is only in Thai language), gathered my various documents and went to the local tax office to ask for a TIN.

I took a queue number, went straight to the desk because there was no queue and explained that I wanted a TIN. The lady simply asked was I employed in Thailand. When I said no, I’m retired, she said no can do, TIN is only for people employed in Thailand. No questions about overseas income being remitted to Thailand, just was I employed. And I am not living out in the sticks, this is in a major farang area.

So I left, pleased that there is obviously no intention to assess my overseas income or establish whether any has been remitted to Thailand, but not pleased because I didn’t get a TIN.

I guess the point I am trying to make is that yes indeed, the Tax dept has no idea about who is resident for tax purposes or whether they should be paying tax, because they are not interested in expanding their data base. PAYE and corporate employees seems to be about as far as they go.

I mean, it works for me and the reality is that I have no assessable income because I segregate my overseas capital from my overseas income, and only remit capital into Thailand. But the inland revenue don’t know that, only I know that. So, honor system it is.

1 hour ago, emptypockets said:

Why?

I don't subscribe that a working person should give a percentage of their income to the government.

A functional government should not need to be supported by their citizens with the exception of times war. If you study history that was why taxes were introduced. Now it has become a cash cow to support government inefficiency.

As some people have said , the public service beaurocracy exists to provide jobs for those that would otherwise be unemployable.

You want to use all infrastructure and services against a subsidized fee but not contribute to that.

1 minute ago, FritsSikkink said:

You want to use all infrastructure and services against a subsidized fee but not contribute to that.

Yes. A competent government should work for the people not have their hands in their wallet.

Cut the bureaucracy and cut the waste.

1 minute ago, emptypockets said:

Yes. A competent government should work for the people not have their hands in their wallet.

Cut the bureaucracy and cut the waste.

Who pays the government salaries?