Spokesman Somchai Sujjapongse said government revenues last month of Bt106.46 billion were Bt4.88 billion, or 4.8 per cent, higher than budgeted and 9.7 per cent over November of the last fiscal year.

The Excise Department collected more taxes on beer and liquor and the Customs Department collected more taxes on imports than projected. The Revenue Department fell short of target, as the performance of corporations was lower, pulling down their profits. Value-added tax collected from imported goods was also lower.

Government revenues in the first two months - October and November - rose to Bt214.89 billion, which was 4.6 per cent higher than forecast and 20.6 per cent higher than last fiscal year.

Somchai said revenue collection for the first two months and an improved outlook for the economy next year suggested that the government would meet its fiscal revenue target.

The Revenue Department collected Bt144.23 billion in the first two months, 1.4 per cent higher than targeted and 7.4 per cent higher than last fiscal year.  The Excise Department collected Bt48.86 billion, 13.3 per cent higher than targeted and 21.2 per cent up on last year. However, excise taxes on cars were 12.1 per cent lower than targeted and 16.3 per cent lower than last fiscal year.

The Customs Department collected Bt15.76 billion, 4.9 per cent higher than budgeted but 11.6 per cent lower than last year.

State enterprises and other government agencies contributed Bt34.57 billion to the government's coffers, 0.8 per cent lower than projected but 134.8 per cent higher than last fiscal year.

Wichit Chaitrong

The Nation