Thai cabinet approves tax break to boost tourism

[BANGKOK] Thailand's cabinet on Tuesday approved an additional tax break to boost tourism as the military government struggles to boost sluggish economic growth.

The government will allow Thais a tax deduction of up to 15,000 baht (S$600.848) on what they spend on items such as hotels and tour packages while travelling in the country in December, Finance Minister Apisak Tantivorawong told reporters.

That will be on top of the similar existing deduction amount approved previously, he said.

Tourism accounts for about 10 per cent of Thailand's economic output and has been a rare bright spot for the economy. But the sector could slow due to cutbacks in spending since the death of King Bhumibol Adulyadej on Oct 13.

A crackdown on cheap tour packages has also cut the number of Chinese visitors.

REUTERS