The premier said he did not mean to float the idea of a VAT increase or have any plan in store to have it raised. In yet another display of his wrath against the media, Gen Prayut called the news reports "despicable". Gen Prayut may argue that his opinion or preference does not automatically translate into government policy but he has to face up to the fact that his stance matters. In a time when people really feel the pinch of economic hardship, it's insensitive for the government leader to discuss a possibility of a tax increase whether seriously or casually. In times like this, it's the government that has to make a sacrifice for the public, not the other way around.

Source: Bangkok Post March 11, 2017 00:08 UTC