The proposal to offer VAT refunds to shoppers in February is a way for the elite to get a tax break for their frivolous consumerism (Business, Dec 1).
The proposal to offer VAT refunds to shoppers in February is a way for the elite to get a tax break for their frivolous consumerism (Business, Dec 1). It does nothing for the common person here because the benefit is only for those with good credit and bank standing since they must have a savings account debit card linked to PromptPay.
Then to further limit the average person from utilising such programmes, the imminent tax break is limited to those that file and pay income tax. According to statistics, only 10 million Thais file income taxes and only 4 million actually "pay" taxes because the majority of those that file do not make over 150,000 baht/year.
If the government truly desired to give a tax respite to the country and boost the economy, then a simple "no tax" holiday should be declared without any paperwork or restrictions. Just a "tax free" weekend across the board for everyone, regardless of economic status. Anything less is just pandering to a select few and another example of corruption.
Darius Hober
Epic, befuddled rant
Felix Qui in his Dec 3 letter, "Dance of discord", which started out with Thaksin's comment about the UN, running through khon dancing into Homer's epic Iliad, ending with a rant on Yahweh, the Christian god, ending with Allah, is a bit epic in itself. No one is frothing at the mouth with nationalism, but rather gnashing one's teeth to understand what Khun Felix is trying to get across.
Like Homer's epic, one tends to forget the beginning when coming to the ending. Incidentally, most Thais are familiar with the Ramayana in sections, if never having had to sit through a complete performance, and many westerners are familiar with both Homer's Iliad and Odyssey in sections, if not having been subjected to its read in entirety in English Literature 101.
Try to keep it short, Khun Felix.
Vasserbuflox
Right of way
Re: "Motorists warned of foraging herd", (BP, Dec 3).
I strongly oppose this warning which means wild animals have right of the way over that of humans. In addition, I believe farm owners have the right to kill wild animals that invade their property. The authorities must contain them for their safety if they want to preserve those animals.
RH Suga
Lament for the EU
Eye ties got their numbers wrong, Greeks on ouzo, never strong. Portuguese are up the spout, Swedes and Spaniards both in doubt. Frogs in crisis, Dutch on hash, Merkel cheerful, Krauts got cash. Poland dithers, Magyars rage, Britain turns another page. Got to be a better way, But British sick of Mrs May. Chinese giggle, Russians dance, Boris Johnson sees his chance. Richer Britain! Fly the flag! No.10 is in the bag.
Leo Bourne
Stop strays breeding
Re: "Kill strays for their own good", (PostBag, Dec 2).
Darius Hober says the only humane solution to the stray dog and cat problem is to kill them. I don't deny that sometimes that's the most humane solution. But wouldn't it be better if people stopped breeding these animals, got them spayed and neutered and adopted them instead of killing them?
Eric Bahrt
This is Thailand
I could not agree more with RH Suga in his Dec 1 letter, "Licences to lose", that motorcyclists caught riding on sidewalks "should have their drivers licence revoked for life".
The only problem is that I would bet a large majority of those apprehended have no legitimate licence to revoke in the first place, or any third-party insurance either, which could be used to financially compensate the pedestrians they main or otherwise injure!
GMT
'Criminal' service
Khun Samanea Saman in his Dec 2 "Good idea, but will it happen?" letter mentions the elimination of the silly 90-day registration. One might endure much from immigration, but s/he neglected to mention attitude. The moment one sets foot in most immigration offices, you are made to feel like a criminal.
449900
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