Thailand approves shopping tax break for consumers to boost spending

[BANGKOK] Thailand's Cabinet approved on Tuesday a shopping tax incentive for consumers to spur spending before the end of the year, as the military government tries to lift sluggish economic growth.

Although a military coup in May 2014 ended prolonged political unrest, the export-reliant economy has struggled to regain traction due to weak global demand, sluggish consumption and depressed private investment.

The junta has ramped up spending and investment projects and unveiled various other stimulus measures in a bid to boost momentum in Southeast Asia's second-largest economy.

The government will allow Thais a tax deduction of up to 15,000 baht ($600) on goods they buy between Dec 14 and 31, Kobsak Pootrakool, vice minister at the Prime Minister's Office, told reporters.

The official said he expected the tax break would help boost spending by 20 billion baht.

Last year, it offered a similar shopping tax break for the last seven days of the year.

This year's tax rebate follows a previously announced tax deduction for Thais on domestic travel to support the tourist sector, which accounts for about 10 per cent of the economy.

Tourism has been a rare bright spot but slowed due to cutbacks in spending since the death of King Bhumibol on Oct 13, and after a Thai crackdown on cheap tour packages for Chinese tourists, Thailand's biggest source of visitors.

Private consumption makes up half of Thai GDP but has been restrained by high household debt and falling farm income.

The finance ministry has forecast economic growth of 3.3 per cent this year, up from 2.8 percent in 2015.

REUTERS