Taxation
Thailand's tax administration generally is
complicated and not transparent. Excise taxes
are high on some items, such as unleaded
gasoline, beer, wine, and distilled spirits. In
March 1999, as part of an economic stimulus
package, the value-added tax (VAT) was
temporarily reduced from 10 percent to 7
percent and the excise tax on fuel oil was
reduced from 17.5 percent to 5 percent. The
VAT is scheduled to be restored to 10 percent
on October 1, 2003. Taxpayers often are not
permitted to offset their tax liability by amounts
due them from taxing authorities and reportedly
sometimes wait years for tax refunds.