Taxes protect the vested interests
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Once again we read reports about how corrupt officials, influential people and independent car importers are gaining from the high import taxes imposed on cars, clearly showing why the government is still reluctant to lower duties for the sake of a fair b
There seems to be nobody as courageous as Anand Panyarachun, who rightfully opened the Thai car market to more affordable imports when he took the helm of the interim government in 1991.
After more than 15 years of protectionism, Thailand has managed to lure big car companies to invest in production facilities, churning out more than 100,000 vehicles per year for both the domestic and export markets. Obviously, these factories – and jobs – are here to stay.
Therefore protecting the car-making industry isn’t a valid reason anymore. In fact, it only helps the crooked interests of the grey market – and politicians.
Krit
Bangkok
