Deep South gas stations reopen after strike

YALA, 15 July 2015 (NNT) – Gas stations in the three southernmost provinces of Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala have resumed their operation after a strike earlier this week.

Petrol retailers associations in the southern border provinces issued an apology to those affected by their closure of gas stations across the Deep South earlier this week.

The re-opening and issuance of the apology came after the Narathiwat Provincial Administrative Organization agreed to withdraw its police complaints against three petrol stations in Rueso District.

Petrol operators decided to halt their services as a protest against the provincial administrative organizations’ petrol tax policy which forces them to add oil tax to retail prices to raise the provinces’ revenues.

The policy was met with dissatisfaction from oil retailers as it applies only to motorists, whereas large-scale users like big companies are exempted from paying petrol taxes. Retailers demanded that taxes be levied on big companies as well to increase tax revenues by up to five times and to ensure fairness.

The civil service agency concerned has decided to revise the tax scheme. The modified version is expected to come into effect within six months.

-- NNT 2015-07-15

Totally correct system....Good Prayuth.