Welcome year-end tax break

BANGKOK Thailand reintroduced, Tuesday, a tourism stimulus package that offers Thai citizens a THB15,000 tax break when they buy a domestic tour packages, or hotel accommodation.

According to the Thai Cabinet statement, the measure came into effect today, 1 December and expires at the end of the year.

Prime Minister’s Office’s vice minister, Kobsak Phutrakul, confirmed an individual traveller can deduct expense for tourism purposes not exceeding THB15,000 for the month of December when they file their tax returns at the end of March 2017.

Travellers can deduct up to THB15,000 from their tax returns for 2016, based on official invoices and billings for travel and hotel services.

The Cabinet also agreed to reinstate hotel accommodation as a tax deductible item until the end of this year after the ruling expired 31 December last year. The maximum deduction  is also THB15,000 per person, supported by invoices.

Travellers have the right under the two schemes to deduct up to THB30,000 from their 2016 tax returns

Tourism and Sports Minister, Kobkarn Wattanavrangkul, said the measure would help to encourage Thais travel during December.

“It will not only boost tourist numbers, but also encourage tour operators and hotels to register legally as the measure is eligible for only legal operators in both travel and hospitality.”