Disabled foreigners to get tax break

Disabled foreigners to get tax break

Physically challenged staff work a one-stop service centre for people with disabilities in Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. Thai nationals who are partly or entirely disabled receive income tax breaks, and a new regulation would bring foreigners under the same regulations. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)
Physically challenged staff work a one-stop service centre for people with disabilities in Ratchathewi district of Bangkok. Thai nationals who are partly or entirely disabled receive income tax breaks, and a new regulation would bring foreigners under the same regulations. (Photo by Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The cabinet has approved in principle a draft ministerial regulation that will grant tax exemptions for non-Thai taxpayers with disabilities, worth up to 190,000 baht in their personal income tax assessment.

But they must have a disability certificate approved by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, which operates under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, and be aged 65 or younger, Nattaporn Jatusripitak, an adviser to the minister of the PM's Office, said after Wednesday's cabinet meeting.

The legislation, which is connected to the Revenue Code, will be applied to income from the beginning of last year, he said.

This measure is designed to create fairness and non-discriminatory treatment for disabled people who are not Thai but reside in the country, Mr Nattaporn said.

The exemption is the same as offered to Thai people with disabilities.

It also conforms to the United Nations' Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

Mr Nattaporn said a total of 175 countries have either ratified or joined the convention.

"The Finance Ministry estimated the measure would only cause a minimal loss in state revenue," Mr Nattaporn said.

He said it is believed the move will help make people with disabilities feel more content to pay taxes.

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