Thai retailers push government for spending stimulus package

The Thai Retailers Association (TRA) has called on the government to roll out a series of initiatives designed to boost retail activity and consumer spending throughout the country. The association has outlined proposals spanning short-, medium- and long-term timeframes to address challenges facing the sector.

Among the TRA's key recommendations is the reactivation of the Easy E-Receipt scheme, a tax incentive program designed to encourage consumer spending through digital receipt collection. The association also advocates for enhanced investment promotion in provincial areas, which would help distribute retail opportunities beyond Bangkok and major metropolitan centres.

The retail body has additionally flagged concerns about marketplace practices in Thailand's e-commerce sector, urging the government to establish fairer regulatory frameworks. These measures would address transparency and competition issues that the TRA contends disadvantage traditional retailers competing with large online platforms.

The TRA's push reflects broader economic concerns in Thailand, where consumer spending has remained sluggish despite efforts to stimulate demand. Retailers have increasingly looked to government support as a means to reverse declining foot traffic and sales in physical stores.

The timing of the association's appeal comes as policymakers consider various economic support measures ahead of the crucial year-end shopping season.