Tarrin #1 is correct regarding Thailand’s corporate income tax – it’s a flat rate of 30%, much higher than neighboring counrties, so I’m not sure how Dr. Somchai got his figures of 17-6%, even taking into account tax breaks for SMEs which can lower the rate to a flat 15%. A link to the referenced report would be appreciated.
Anyway, I don’t think that raising taxes would be of any benefit. I think, like many problems in Thailand, it’s more of a problem with [lack of] enforcement. There are already rules in place, but the Revenue Dept doesn’t have the means or manpower to enforce them properly, and the penalities are rather low when compared to what’s gained by attempting to avoid payment.
As for item #3, a land/poperty tax would be nice, but given who owns most of the prime real estate in Thailand, I highly doubt that will happen any time soon… same goes for an inheritance tax.
A fairer systme is preferred but I’ll stop short of calling for redistribution of wealth least someone accuse me of being a socialist.
Why has Jim Taylor gone ballistic over one academic’s take on “fair society”? Has Thaksin S. sole copyright of ‘fair society’ ? I am sure Marcos, Saddam or even N. Korea’s Kim had expressed their sincere views, and acted upon it too, about ‘fair society’ and ‘equitable social welfare’.
Cool down Jim Taylor . . . every good and well-intentioned ideas for the masses deserve a hearing, even if they come from saints or asses.
But I agree more with Tarrin that ‘equitable social welfare’ contingent upon onerous disincentivizing uncompetitive taxes will be stupid.
Just have a look at Khun Yingluck amid peasants. Relaxed and completely at ease during a lenghty cross hierarchial talk. As are the locals around her. That would be difficult to set up :
Just compare how Abhisit “interacts” . The peasants don’t look that happy. And the PM appears like a fool. Don’t expect to see this on a Democrat campaign poster.
what Jaras talking about a fairer society? I find it sickening to see how academics who were behind the current crisis now positioning themselves as detached critical observers! Chula’s Jaras was a PAD lackey and part of the anti-democratic movement vocal on the streets early last year. he was one handpicked by the military regime earlier to write a hasty and ill-conceived 2007 draft Constitution. To remind readers- this was mainly written to protect the coup-makers ensuring a legal loophole [Article 37] in the event that Thailand in the future? gains a democratically elected government; it also addressed the touchy progenitor issue by positing the Chair of Privy Council [Prem] as Regent (pro tempore) after the king dies [Section 20]- & etc. Both he and Somchai (a credible macroeconomist) have a problem dealing with the apparent success (however measured, both quantative and qualitative) of Thaksin’s policies, especially for the poor, and at the same time (in an amaat-embrace, political correctness) – having to slag Thaksin’s grassroots policies…oh the dilemma!
Make no mistake about it. A lot of Thais still have affection for the king. There is such a bond between the king and these people that can never be broken.
I am sure many Thais still pronounce the word “monarchy” as “mo-nar-chee”. At least my students do. They don’t care if this word is of Greek origin and the “ch” spelling stands for the sound “k”.
This poster is aesthetically and politically brilliant, and I’m not even a fan of Pheu Thai Party.
But as a woman, I am a bit offended by your analysis which borders on sexism. What’s wrong with a woman, powerful or not, being feminine? Would you be overanalyzing every physical feature of a political candidate if he happens to be a man?
Ha – khunyings chasing the Pui Thai. Makes a change from red shirts chasing Abhisit. Maybe that class war that so many have been praying for will come about after all.
Don’t forget that Princess Sirindhorn holds the rank of general in the Thai army and regularly teaches at the prestigious Chulachomklao Military Academy for military cadets. I think she makes a better general than you know who, who is fit only for the position of a Thai International employee.
It’s quite normal for someone of high status like Khun Ying to treat a person of supposedly low status in such a way, although Khun Ying would talk sweetly to one of her peers or someone of higher status. In this instance it’s all the more admirable that the girl did not respond in the same way.
Even her posters have already caused jitters among her and her brother’s foes. We can all understand why Election Commission chief decided to go and see Prem on the 22nd of May and had “long discussion” .
The “long discussion” must have included advice on how to deal with PT victory — either disqualify/dissolve PT or give as many red cards as possible to PT candidates.
The posters in Chiang Mai are a bit different than those in Bangkok. It is obviously the same sitting, but a bit different.
1) They did away with the black gradient background for the PT red
2) She’s sharing the poster with what I assume is the picture of local candidate for Parliament (I don’t read Thai… Yingluck is top left and the candidate is bottom right). The local candidate is in her PT uniform and has her hair up and away from her face, but the local candidate’s overall impression (for me, the farang) is of a high school varsity volleyball team captain. If they put her hair in front of her shoulder like Yingluck, I don’t think I would have had the same impression.
3) I think there’s slightly more text than the Bangkok version, but not too much more
4) The light is a bit harsher for Yingluck, making her look more washed out and less natural than Bangkok, but still there is a little bit of shadow on one side of her face.
5) YS has the same general posture, but her hair on the right side (nearest to the viewer) is not as “touchable” as Chris Baker put it. Combined with the flat red background, the overall impression is not as 3-D as Bangkok.
Overall, I think the Bangkok version makes her look like she’s on the cover of Time or Business Week, but the Chiang Mai poster is not doing her a disservice. She looks bright, competent and naturally optimistic. One thing that the Chiang Mai poster does better is make her look approachable like a friend you’d have over for a drink and to complain about your week, which may be what they were driving for here in the north. She just has a really good job and won’t be around until 8 pm after all the proverbial fires are put out at the office.
It’s certainly better than the pictures I saw of Abhisit and the Democrats’ local candidate in Sukhothai. Abhisit looks even worse than in Bangkok (it was him standing among 6-8 people, and it looked flat), and the local candidate for the Democrats looked like his induction photo into the military, with uniform and all the decorations. I have not seen any Democratic posters in CM.
Based on what I’ve seen, I’d vote for YS and PT in a New York second over the Democrats. YS’s Chiang Mai poster still exudes quality, but not quite the publication-quality that Bangkok has.
Based on what I’ve read and heard, I’d be tempted to check “None of the above” or not vote at all.
The four major sources of revenue that Dr Somchai suggests are all aimed at the wealthy class actually contributing to the nation as a whole, as opposed to using the majority of nation’s resources for their own personal gain.
Only when these people begin to change their behavior will others follow.
Thailand’s wealthy elite and their families have for many decades not only influenced Thai government policy but are elected into the various parties so as to benefit themselves, their families and cronies at the expense of the countries well being.They are the antithesis of Thailand’s ‘sufficiency economy’.
Alongside this nepotistic behavior is the corrupted, socially accepted ‘patronage system’ that allows many of these powerful people to avoid paying tax and deliberately disrupt the nations path to a healthy democracy. They act with impunity while crying out for ‘democracy’.
In progressive democracies tax derived from income that goes towards equitable social security services is means tested and payed by all working people, businesses and companies. Its not perfect but helps the majority both rich and poor.
In Thailand there seems to be such adversity to paying tax as the country’s beloved ‘patronage system’ which is so prevalent across Thailand’s political and economical landscape that it suffocates all attempts for real social democratic change to be implemented.
Why is this system assumes to be of any cultural worth amazes me as in reality it works against all that is moral and ethical in progressive democracies.
Take the ‘patronage system’ out of the Thai equation and reform the countries tax laws especially land and inheritance taxes and maybe the imbalance that exists presently may start to level it self out.
These are difficult reforms that only a government with real courage and determination can ever hope to bring into fruition.
Raise corporate income tax by 5%. Thailand only taxes 16-7% for corporations while the World Band estimates we could tax up to 22% without losing a competitive edge.
Sorry but I think there’s something wrong with the number, corporate income tax in Thailand is 25-30%. Comparing with the region Singapore charge 17%., Malaysia at 25%, Vieatnam 25%, Indonesia 25%. If Thailand increase tax for another 5% that make our effective tax rate at 30-35%, our tax rate will be more than 5-10% higher than than the neighboring countries. How are we not going to lose competitive edge there??
Furthermore, increase tax rate would exacerbate the problem since people will be willing to spend more money to find a pay to avoid their tax if the effective tax rate is higher than the cost of finding a tax haven. Lower tax, on the other hand, would encourage people to pay tax if it is lower than the cost to find tax haven.
Yes, I absolutely do agree with K. Anoonymouse’s comment that Somtow’s criticism is so naive. Abhisit poster is actually stressing is failure to deliver what he promised in the past. All he does, is talking. See you later Mr. Lip Service PM. I will be gladful if you are not coming back again. Thailand and Thai people deserve a better life.
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Air conditioners and other absurdities
I wholly agree with HRK, although I might change the article’s
for
That would help it explain the Amnesty International response in Thailand as well.
It is quite the general phenomenon with NGOs I think. Remember, an NGO is just another virulent strain of multi-national corporation.
Thailand can afford equitable social welfare
Tarrin #1 is correct regarding Thailand’s corporate income tax – it’s a flat rate of 30%, much higher than neighboring counrties, so I’m not sure how Dr. Somchai got his figures of 17-6%, even taking into account tax breaks for SMEs which can lower the rate to a flat 15%. A link to the referenced report would be appreciated.
Anyway, I don’t think that raising taxes would be of any benefit. I think, like many problems in Thailand, it’s more of a problem with [lack of] enforcement. There are already rules in place, but the Revenue Dept doesn’t have the means or manpower to enforce them properly, and the penalities are rather low when compared to what’s gained by attempting to avoid payment.
As for item #3, a land/poperty tax would be nice, but given who owns most of the prime real estate in Thailand, I highly doubt that will happen any time soon… same goes for an inheritance tax.
A fairer systme is preferred but I’ll stop short of calling for redistribution of wealth least someone accuse me of being a socialist.
-R
Thailand can afford equitable social welfare
Why has Jim Taylor gone ballistic over one academic’s take on “fair society”? Has Thaksin S. sole copyright of ‘fair society’ ? I am sure Marcos, Saddam or even N. Korea’s Kim had expressed their sincere views, and acted upon it too, about ‘fair society’ and ‘equitable social welfare’.
Cool down Jim Taylor . . . every good and well-intentioned ideas for the masses deserve a hearing, even if they come from saints or asses.
But I agree more with Tarrin that ‘equitable social welfare’ contingent upon onerous disincentivizing uncompetitive taxes will be stupid.
Yingluck on the streets
Khun Nattawud # 25
Just have a look at Khun Yingluck amid peasants. Relaxed and completely at ease during a lenghty cross hierarchial talk. As are the locals around her. That would be difficult to set up :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=elyRiZxHssk
Just compare how Abhisit “interacts” . The peasants don’t look that happy. And the PM appears like a fool. Don’t expect to see this on a Democrat campaign poster.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/251670_226260080718719_100000041876050_975812_5073091_n.jpg
This very interesting op-ed in yesterdays “The Nation” didn’t catch the attention of NM regulars.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2011/05/25/opinion/Thai-authorities-continue-their-attack-on-freedom–30156118.html
So it looks like NM is explicitely “targeted” in some behind the scene meddling. Could it be that Khun Nattawud has a part in it?
Thailand can afford equitable social welfare
what Jaras talking about a fairer society? I find it sickening to see how academics who were behind the current crisis now positioning themselves as detached critical observers! Chula’s Jaras was a PAD lackey and part of the anti-democratic movement vocal on the streets early last year. he was one handpicked by the military regime earlier to write a hasty and ill-conceived 2007 draft Constitution. To remind readers- this was mainly written to protect the coup-makers ensuring a legal loophole [Article 37] in the event that Thailand in the future? gains a democratically elected government; it also addressed the touchy progenitor issue by positing the Chair of Privy Council [Prem] as Regent (pro tempore) after the king dies [Section 20]- & etc. Both he and Somchai (a credible macroeconomist) have a problem dealing with the apparent success (however measured, both quantative and qualitative) of Thaksin’s policies, especially for the poor, and at the same time (in an amaat-embrace, political correctness) – having to slag Thaksin’s grassroots policies…oh the dilemma!
Monarchy and “voluntary affection”
Make no mistake about it. A lot of Thais still have affection for the king. There is such a bond between the king and these people that can never be broken.
2 per cent don’t love monarchy
I am sure many Thais still pronounce the word “monarchy” as “mo-nar-chee”. At least my students do. They don’t care if this word is of Greek origin and the “ch” spelling stands for the sound “k”.
Yingluck on the streets
This poster is aesthetically and politically brilliant, and I’m not even a fan of Pheu Thai Party.
But as a woman, I am a bit offended by your analysis which borders on sexism. What’s wrong with a woman, powerful or not, being feminine? Would you be overanalyzing every physical feature of a political candidate if he happens to be a man?
Don’t mention the K word
No reason at all to mention any member of the royal family in this election melee.
Khunying face slapper
Ha – khunyings chasing the Pui Thai. Makes a change from red shirts chasing Abhisit. Maybe that class war that so many have been praying for will come about after all.
Has anybody else noticed…
Don’t forget that Princess Sirindhorn holds the rank of general in the Thai army and regularly teaches at the prestigious Chulachomklao Military Academy for military cadets. I think she makes a better general than you know who, who is fit only for the position of a Thai International employee.
Chulalongkorn abolished prostration
King Chulalongkorn was most kind to abolish prostration and slavery. But many Thais until today refuse to obey him. They still prefer being slaves.
Violence erupts in Buriram
What has Chai Chid Chob to say about this?
Khunying face slapper
It’s quite normal for someone of high status like Khun Ying to treat a person of supposedly low status in such a way, although Khun Ying would talk sweetly to one of her peers or someone of higher status. In this instance it’s all the more admirable that the girl did not respond in the same way.
Yingluck on the streets
Even her posters have already caused jitters among her and her brother’s foes. We can all understand why Election Commission chief decided to go and see Prem on the 22nd of May and had “long discussion” .
http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/election/239071/army-won-t-stage-coup-remain-impartial
The “long discussion” must have included advice on how to deal with PT victory — either disqualify/dissolve PT or give as many red cards as possible to PT candidates.
Yingluck on the streets
Very thoughtful!
The posters in Chiang Mai are a bit different than those in Bangkok. It is obviously the same sitting, but a bit different.
1) They did away with the black gradient background for the PT red
2) She’s sharing the poster with what I assume is the picture of local candidate for Parliament (I don’t read Thai… Yingluck is top left and the candidate is bottom right). The local candidate is in her PT uniform and has her hair up and away from her face, but the local candidate’s overall impression (for me, the farang) is of a high school varsity volleyball team captain. If they put her hair in front of her shoulder like Yingluck, I don’t think I would have had the same impression.
3) I think there’s slightly more text than the Bangkok version, but not too much more
4) The light is a bit harsher for Yingluck, making her look more washed out and less natural than Bangkok, but still there is a little bit of shadow on one side of her face.
5) YS has the same general posture, but her hair on the right side (nearest to the viewer) is not as “touchable” as Chris Baker put it. Combined with the flat red background, the overall impression is not as 3-D as Bangkok.
Overall, I think the Bangkok version makes her look like she’s on the cover of Time or Business Week, but the Chiang Mai poster is not doing her a disservice. She looks bright, competent and naturally optimistic. One thing that the Chiang Mai poster does better is make her look approachable like a friend you’d have over for a drink and to complain about your week, which may be what they were driving for here in the north. She just has a really good job and won’t be around until 8 pm after all the proverbial fires are put out at the office.
It’s certainly better than the pictures I saw of Abhisit and the Democrats’ local candidate in Sukhothai. Abhisit looks even worse than in Bangkok (it was him standing among 6-8 people, and it looked flat), and the local candidate for the Democrats looked like his induction photo into the military, with uniform and all the decorations. I have not seen any Democratic posters in CM.
Based on what I’ve seen, I’d vote for YS and PT in a New York second over the Democrats. YS’s Chiang Mai poster still exudes quality, but not quite the publication-quality that Bangkok has.
Based on what I’ve read and heard, I’d be tempted to check “None of the above” or not vote at all.
Thailand can afford equitable social welfare
The four major sources of revenue that Dr Somchai suggests are all aimed at the wealthy class actually contributing to the nation as a whole, as opposed to using the majority of nation’s resources for their own personal gain.
Only when these people begin to change their behavior will others follow.
Thailand’s wealthy elite and their families have for many decades not only influenced Thai government policy but are elected into the various parties so as to benefit themselves, their families and cronies at the expense of the countries well being.They are the antithesis of Thailand’s ‘sufficiency economy’.
Alongside this nepotistic behavior is the corrupted, socially accepted ‘patronage system’ that allows many of these powerful people to avoid paying tax and deliberately disrupt the nations path to a healthy democracy. They act with impunity while crying out for ‘democracy’.
In progressive democracies tax derived from income that goes towards equitable social security services is means tested and payed by all working people, businesses and companies. Its not perfect but helps the majority both rich and poor.
In Thailand there seems to be such adversity to paying tax as the country’s beloved ‘patronage system’ which is so prevalent across Thailand’s political and economical landscape that it suffocates all attempts for real social democratic change to be implemented.
Why is this system assumes to be of any cultural worth amazes me as in reality it works against all that is moral and ethical in progressive democracies.
Take the ‘patronage system’ out of the Thai equation and reform the countries tax laws especially land and inheritance taxes and maybe the imbalance that exists presently may start to level it self out.
These are difficult reforms that only a government with real courage and determination can ever hope to bring into fruition.
Thailand can afford equitable social welfare
Raise corporate income tax by 5%. Thailand only taxes 16-7% for corporations while the World Band estimates we could tax up to 22% without losing a competitive edge.
Sorry but I think there’s something wrong with the number, corporate income tax in Thailand is 25-30%. Comparing with the region Singapore charge 17%., Malaysia at 25%, Vieatnam 25%, Indonesia 25%. If Thailand increase tax for another 5% that make our effective tax rate at 30-35%, our tax rate will be more than 5-10% higher than than the neighboring countries. How are we not going to lose competitive edge there??
Furthermore, increase tax rate would exacerbate the problem since people will be willing to spend more money to find a pay to avoid their tax if the effective tax rate is higher than the cost of finding a tax haven. Lower tax, on the other hand, would encourage people to pay tax if it is lower than the cost to find tax haven.
Yingluck on the streets
Yes, I absolutely do agree with K. Anoonymouse’s comment that Somtow’s criticism is so naive. Abhisit poster is actually stressing is failure to deliver what he promised in the past. All he does, is talking. See you later Mr. Lip Service PM. I will be gladful if you are not coming back again. Thailand and Thai people deserve a better life.
Yingluck on the streets
Jit,
amaart or prai? This s not the world of black and white, Pauline Hanson or Nelson Mandela.