The Nation LABOUR leaders urged the government yesterday to review the three per cent hike in value-added tax (VAT), saying it will only hurt already struggling low income earners.
Union representatives led by Federation of Labour Relationship of Thailand (FLRT) president Somsak Kosaius, lodged a complaint with the prime minister urging him to review the tax increase which takes effect tomorrow.
Somsak said that the baht flotation was already hurting people, especially business operator who import raw materials. "Prices of most consumer items have also risen in the wake of higher transportation costs caused by rising fuel prices," he said. "Things are more expensive but more than 100,000 employees were recently laid off from finance companies," the labour leader said, adding that the figure is expected to be three times as much next year.
"The government should improve VAT collection instead of increase VAT," he said.
"They must be more serious with the collection so that they will earn more revenue." Somsak added that government should cut as on the construction of a new parliament building, new roads and general expenses.
"The Bt20 million for MPs to develop their province and the computer budget for the Education Ministry should also be cut," Somsak said
(The Nation Aug. 15, 1997)
The idiom "laid off" here means _________.
for rent
put off
dismissed
spread