Senator Wutthipong declared it is not the Senate's role to propose raising VAT to 10% following the Senate Economic Committee's tax restructuring suggestion. He criticized the Blue Senators for arrogance and urged them to respect senators who lack power.
20 Apr 2026 GMT+7 Lieutenant Commander Wutthipong Pongsuwan, member of the Senate. He spoke at the Parliament building regarding the case. The Senate Committee on Economic Affairs, Finance, and Banking proposed restructuring VAT to increase it to 10%. He said, This matter is not the Senate's role. The government is responsible for deciding how much to adjust taxes. The government must propose it first, and then we will review whether it is appropriate and satisfactory to the public.
Personally, I believe taxes should be reduced first because people currently have limited spending power. Everyone is suffering everywhere, and globally, the approach is to reduce taxes. For example, when oil prices rise, excise taxes are lowered. Japan has cut relevant taxes to help citizens manage expenses and spend again. Everything is rising except wages, which people are struggling with. Therefore, I ask that you recognize the position of senators without power, as we also work hard for the people. I urge the majority senators not to be arrogant with their power as they have been in the past.