The digital deficit in Thailand, estimated to be around 200 billion baht (US$5.56 billion) per year, is a major concern for tech industry leaders. The former president of the Thai e-Commerce Association, Pawoot Ponngvitayapanu, highlighted this issue to Parliament’s economic steering committee, urging them to address the deficit and informing the finance ministry.
The deficit stems from Thailand consuming more digital services from foreign providers than it produces domestically. Pawoot further suggested that foreign operators generating over 1.8 million baht (US$50,125) annually in Thailand should be identified, as they are liable to pay value-added tax (VAT) in the country. Since September 1, 2021, foreign electronic service providers with revenues surpassing the 1.8 million baht threshold are obliged to register for a 7% VAT liability.
In 2022,…
