VAT hike will not level the field
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Virabhongsa Ramangkura - one of the country's best-known economists - was untruthful when he said that raising value added tax (VAT) by one percentage point would reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.
As a matter of fact, the increase would affect the poor even more because they can least afford to pay for it.
Indeed, if Virabhongsa is serious about making Thai society equitable, he should study the assets tax law proposed by former finance minister Korn Chatikavanij of the Democrat Party. This assets-based law is not only sensible, but would serve our society better.
I think an academic of Virabhongsa’s calibre should not only be courageous, he should be non-partisan as well.
Vint Chavala
Lamphun
