Thailand may increase fuel excise tax

Expecting low tax yields, the Thai government said that it is considering raising excise taxes on cigarettes and gasoline. According to Prime Minister Abhisit Veijajiva, the additional taxes may be implemented because tax revenue collections during fiscal 2009 ending September 30 will be 200 billion baht (US$5.78 billion) less than the goal the government had set. The government emphasized that it will avoid raising other taxes in the future, but may still raise property and inheritance taxes. (May 12, 2009)