MoF to propose tax incentive for secondary provinces

BANGKOK, Dec 16 (TNA) -- The Ministry of Finance has announced that it will tabling a proposal to introduce tax incentives to promote tourism to less popular tourists destinations - so called secondary provinces; for the cabinet's scrutiny. If approved 15,000 Baht travel expense deductions will be allowed on personal income taxes beginning in 2018. Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong stated that they will be proposing that the cabinet approve tax deductions on travel expenses such as food and lodging not exceeding 15,000 baht to promote tourism to secondary provinces that attract low tourist numbers - less than 4 million tourists annually. Holiday makers will be able to hand in their receipts without the need to present complete tax invoices for tax deductions within a period not exceeding one year beginning in 2018. This also directly helps local tourist sector operators who are primarily small businesses. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), accordingly, has been tasked with screening and classifying each province so that these measures can be directly implemented to realize increased income distribution to said provinces. "We want the cabinet to approve the 15,000 baht incentive as quickly as possible to coincide with 2018 tourism year," Mr Apisak said. He went on to say that he had received initial reports pertaining to the government's 2nd phase of welfare programs for the poor and has ordered detailed guidelines to be formulated so that a direct plan of action can be discussed with the Ministry of Commerce and the Labor Ministry before implementation. Mr Aphisak closed by saying that this should be completed within the next 1 - 2 weeks allowing the 2nd phase to be implemented early in 2018. (TNA)