Revenue shortfall could hit Bt150 bn

 He attributed the shortfall to fewer economic activities as capacity usage is down to 57 per cent, compared to 70 per cent six months ago. This led to lower imports, which constituted a sizeable tax income. Meanwhile, a drop in oil prices would also lead to lower excise taxes.

  He said it is necessary for the government to seek new revenue or borrow to finance projects.

 "Despite lower revenue, I insist that the Revenue Department would not be pressured to squeeze business operators or individual for higher tax revenue. But we will consider levying other taxes and reduce the 2010 expenses. Meanwhile, we will borrow external loans, but the government's deficit this year would not exceed Bt430 billion."