Bangkok: Government spokesperson confirms that news of a VAT increase from 7% to 10% is false. The government is only considering measures to alleviate the financial burden on the public.

According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ratchada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, clarified that messages circulating on social media claiming a VAT increase from 7% to 10% are fake news. The government is focused on considering measures to alleviate the financial burden on the public.

Regarding the criticism that the government bypassed civil servants to issue an emergency decree to borrow money to support the economy without the knowledge of high-ranking officials in the Ministry of Finance, Ms. Ratchada explained that Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilapraphan provided a legal opinion. He stated that issuing an emergency decree to borrow money is permissible under Article 172 of the Constitution, which requires such action to be in an emergency or urgent situation to ensure the country's economic stability. This approach was previously taken during the COVID-19 crisis without any legal issues.

When further asked whether the current situation meets criteria 172, the Deputy Prime Minister replied, "This situation does meet the criteria. There isn't much cash left in the treasury. Plus, there's the impact of the situation in the Middle East, and this year there's also a super El Ni±o, which will affect agricultural production. We need to have reserves for emergencies, as we don't know what else might happen."

Ms. Rachada emphasized that in governing the country, the government and civil servants must work together and listen to each other. She stated that hastily concluding that decisions were made bypassing civil servants is a greatly exaggerated opinion.