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The Revenue Department will submit to Cabinet a proposal to give tax breaks to Thai travellers who visit less-popular domestic destinations, Prasong Poontaneat, director-general of the department, said yesterday.
Each person could have a tax deduction of up to Bt15,000 for his or her spending on accommodation, transport or buying local products.
If the Cabinet approves the proposal, to be submitted on Tuesday, it would be in effect from January 1, to December 31 next year. Travellers would have to ask for receipts from vendors to qualify for the deduction.
The aim of the tax break is to increase the incomes of people in less-popular tourist destinations.

PHUKET PIPPED IN POLL FOR BEST ISLAND TO VISIT 

Phuket was voted as second among the top must-visit island destinations in Asia for 2017 by readers of Destination Asean magazine, and is also one of the eight island destinations recommended by TripAdvisor. Phuket helps generate more than Bt300 billion in revenue for the country annually.
It welcomes as many as 13 million tourists each year, more than 70 per cent of whom are foreigners. The majority are Chinese, Korean, Australian, Russian, European, and Middle Eastern.

ISLAND PROMOTED AS KITCHEN OF THE WORLD

Why settle for second-best island destination in Asia when there’s a whole world out there?
Retail giant Central Pattana Plc is spending Bt100 million to promote Phuket as the kitchen of the world.
As part of their new Central Phuket megamall, which they billed as “a world-class megaproject”, Central Pattana spent Bt100 million to create a world kitchen, including Public House, an international food and drinks hub in a casual dining environment.
Located at CentralFestival Phuket, Public House’s design takes inspiration from the style of a beach hut. It features live music and exciting performances every night, making Phuket come alive and stay true to its designation as a world-class beach holiday destination.
Pakorn Partanapat, chief operating officer at Central Pattana Plc, sees Phuket as “a city with excellent potential as a world-class tourist destination”.
He said Public House represents a major change for CentralFestival Phuket. 
“Residents of Phuket and tourists from all over the world will get to experience culinary delights and meet up with their acquaintances in an environment that is unlike any other.”
A quality eating experience would give a boost to Phuket’s tourism and lifestyle, said Pakorn.
“It will be a landmark for international tourists, attracting visitors from all corners of the world to come and spend their money and explore new experiences.”
The opening came just in time for the high season for Phuket tourism and the year-end festive season.
The dining hub opened daily starting December 19, from 10 am to midnight.