BANGKOK, Thailand – Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has clarified that the government has no plans to raise the Value Added Tax (VAT) to 15%, addressing concerns sparked by recent rumors December 6. She explained that the Ministry of Finance is currently studying a comprehensive tax reform aimed at reducing inequality and boosting the country’s competitiveness.
In a social media post shared on both Facebook and X, the Prime Minister outlined the government’s position after a discussion with Deputy Prime Minister Phichai and her policy advisory team.
She emphasized the following key points:
- No VAT Increase to 15% – There are no plans to raise the VAT rate.
- Comprehensive Tax Reform Under Review – The Ministry of Finance is analyzing ways to adjust the tax structure systemically to ensure fairness and enhance competitiveness.
- Gradual Implementation – Tax reforms in other countries have taken years to implement, sometimes over a decade, reflecting the complexity of such changes.
- Core Government Policies – The administration is committed to reducing public expenses, improving government efficiency, and identifying opportunities to create new income sources for citizens to improve their quality of life.
The Prime Minister reassured the public, stating, “Rest assured that the government operates with caution, listening to all sectors and policy changes.
This announcement highlights the government’s dedication to ensuring fairness while maintaining a balanced approach to policy changes.
