Whilst harvesting rice with combines in our village we received a demand for a "tax" for Bt2,000/machine from the local amphur. We were told that this tax was just for our area and other amphurs may charge taxes (of varying amounts) for their areas. The amount (or whether it is charged at all) seems to be at the discretion of the local administration.

We paid, it didn't seem too unreasonable and may even help us as it could discourage competitors from coming to our village.

However, on further discussion in the village, I find that there all sorts of "discretionary taxes" being charged. For example, an old disabled lady used to collect rubbish (bottles, cans, paper, etc.) for recycling, but the amphur imposed a tax of Bt1,000/pa on this activity so she has stopped doing it - we give her some work but otherwise she has no other means to support herself.

After Christmas my wife is intending to have "words" at the amphur office, talk to the new MP and seek advice from solicitors but I wonder if other members have encountered this practice of discretionary tax collection at local amphurs?

That sounds very fishy to me never heard of that before.

A couple of years ago, when we sold a pig, a 20bt local tax was imposed, collected by the village treasurer (also known within the village as or bor dor). I made a few enquiries in the town, and lo and behold that was the end of it. Just another Thai scam!