The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) has suggested additional government measures to raise local consumption, especially among middle- and high-income consumers.
One is to allow taxpayers to file their tax returns twice a year instead of annually. Allowing half-yearly personal income tax payment would mean taxpayers could receive a refund in August, which they could use to shop during the low tourism season, president Jariya Chirathivat said.
She said tourism was the major growth engine driving the local economy, so the government should encourage shopping sentiment by working together with operators in the tourism, hotel and retail sectors to launch attractive promotions during the low season to increase spending from locals and tourists.
(Source: Bangkok Post)