Thai airlines urge excise tax cut

Budget airlines are calling on the Finance Ministry to help reduce the excise tax on jet fuel to lower costs for airlines, which claim to be in a fragile state. Speaking after meeting with representatives of low-fare airlines on Thursday, Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat said the carriers discussed the economy and expressed their intention to support government measures to drive tourism. The low-cost carriers said after weathering the pandemic, they are working to strengthen their position. They want the ministry to help reduce the excise tax on jet fuel, and officials are considering their requests, he said. The ministry must consult with the Energy Policy Committee before any changes are made, said Julapun. He said the ministry advised the budget airlines to consider other government assistance mechanisms, such as loans to help with liquidity and state efforts to help address this issue. Given ongoing public complaints and frequent discussions in parliament about high domestic airfares, Julapun said this issue needs to be addressed by low-cost carriers.<br/>