Easy e-receipt programme set to kick off next year in Thailand

A newly approved tax refund scheme, aimed at stimulating domestic spending and promoting the use of electronic invoices, is set to kick off early next year, the Finance Ministry confirmed on Monday.

The so-called Easy E-Receipt programme allows individuals to claim a tax deduction of up to 50,000 baht on goods and services purchases from businesses backed by the e-tax system, from January 1 to February 15, said the ministry’s spokesman and Fiscal Policy Office chief, Pornchai Thiraveja.

However, the tax rebates will not apply to purchases of alcohol, tobacco, cars, motorcycles, boats, vehicle fuel, public utilities, tap water, electricity, phone, internet services, long-term service fees and non-life insurance. The scheme is intended to propel the national economy forward and incentivise business operators to join the tax and e-tax systems, explained Pornchai.

This tax refund initiative is part of broader economic stimulus measures introduced by Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin last month. Initially termed as e-refund, it’s designed for those who do not qualify for the digital wallet scheme.

Post-Cabinet meeting in Nong Bua Lamphu province, Prime Minister Srettha revealed that the government has been gathering data to devise policies that effectively address people’s needs. Issues such as land problems, tourism promotion and illegal drugs were among those highlighted.

The 61 year old prime minister further instructed the Tourism Authority of Thailand and the Tourism Ministry to explore the potential of Nong Bua Lam Phu and four other provinces for tourism development.

PM praise

In addition, he praised the quality of Otop products and suggested their wider distribution, including online through a platform to be developed by the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry in collaboration with the Commerce Ministry.

The government is also planning to construct 92 weirs to counter flood and drought issues and convert Sor Por Kor land documents into land title deeds as part of its efforts to increase income in Nong Bua Lam Phu. The Bangkok-born PM also noted connectivity and the lack of a comprehensive transportation network as critical issues impacting the province’s growth and development.

Chai Wacharonke, the government spokesman, explained that the province was chosen for the first mobile Cabinet meeting due to its low income per head and minimal tourism revenue. With only 110,000 rai out of 1.9 million rai of farmland covered by the irrigation system, the province also suffers severe drought. An estimated 1 billion baht is required to improve this system.

The Cabinet intends to elevate the province’s GDP through tourism and agriculture development. Wacharonke highlighted the province’s natural tourist attractions and local products, which the government plans to support to increase people’s income.

The Ministry of Agriculture is expected to announce on December 15 the government’s plan to allow farmers to convert their Sor Por Kor 4-01 papers into land title deeds, he added.