BANGKOK, Thailand – The Cabinet has approved three tax measures to drive economic growth and support national development, involving incentives for healthcare donations, a tax deduction program to stimulate domestic spending, and a tax reduction for entertainment venues. Each measure is tailored to enhance economic recovery while addressing public welfare and industry needs.
The first measure continues tax exemptions for donations supporting medical and public health development, allowing individuals and businesses to claim double tax deductions for contributions to 27 approved charitable organizations, expanded from the previous 16. Donations of assets such as land, vehicles, and gold will also be exempt from income tax, VAT, and other levies from 2025 to 2027. While projected to reduce annual revenue by 900 million baht, the program seeks to improve healthcare access for low-income groups and advance medical innovation.
The “Easy E-Receipt 2.0” program provides taxpayers with deductions of up to 50,000 baht for purchases made between January 16 and February 28, 2025. The scheme allows deductions for goods and services from VAT-registered vendors, with additional allowances for OTOP products and community enterprise goods. Exclusions apply to items like alcohol, tobacco, and vehicle purchases. The government expects 1.4 million participants, generating 70 billion baht in economic activity and boosting GDP growth in 2025.
The third measure extends a reduced excise tax rate for entertainment venues, including nightclubs and pubs, from 10% to 5% of revenue through 2025, enhancing liquidity for operators, encouraging reinvestment, and increasing tourism-related spending. (NNT)