BANGKOK, Aug 12 – Thailand’s excise tax collection was only Bt31.76 billion in July, Bt1.679 billion below the target of Bt33.44 billion, it was reported.
Somchai Poolsavasdi, director general of the Excise Department, said sales of beer and alcoholic beverages were normally low in July which coincides with the Buddhist Lent. Most Buddhists refrain from drinking alcohol during the holy season.
The five highest tax collection categories were automobiles at Bt10.531 billion–Bt537 million higher than forecast, oil at Bt5.562 billion–Bt1.383 billion less than forecast, tobacco at Bt5.412 billion–Bt462 million higher than forecast, beer at Bt4.385 billion– Bt610 million lower than forecast, and liquor at Bt4.137 billion–Bt458 million lower than forecast.
However, tax collections in the first 10 months of the 2013 fiscal year (October 2012-July 2013) was Bt368.210 billion – Bt22.984 higher than the forecast of Bt345.225 billion.
Mr Somchai said excise tax collection for this fiscal year would definitely reach the target at Bt412 billion.
Regarding the government’s tax incentives for buyers of first cars, he said 1.06 million cars have been delivered to buyers and the total delivery should be completed early next year.
After that, the department will readjust the tax collection forecast from the first-car scheme to attain the most realistic figure, he said.
