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Some benefits for senior citizens

7 October 2005, 18:00 PM
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
By Rasul Nizam Bangkok
7 October 2005, 18:00 PM
Whilst convalescing in a Bangkok hospital following a major operation, I have been reading interesting news about Thai Prime Minister's policy decisions about his countrymen. I am simply amazed and impressed especially with Tax Break for the elderly. The cabinet on 27th September approved a tax measure that would exempt more elderly folks from paying income tax. The threshold for income tax payments by people aged 65 and over had been raised to Bht 379,000 per year.

Elderly earning less than that will not have to pay income tax. The measure is retroactive to January 1st. To be eligible for the waiver, people must live in the Kingdom for at least 180 days each year.

The Cabinet resolution means that elderly with a monthly income of Bht 31,600 or less will no longer have to pay personal income tax.

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The Tax Break was one of Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's election campaign promises.

May I appeal to our Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to seriously consider a similar move in respect of our elderly citizens, who have worked all their life for the country in various capacities and paid their income tax honestly? I feel the elderly members of the population deserve this special consideration from our Prime Minister.