Southeast Asia Information Port News (www.dnyxxg.com) – According to the *Social and Economic News*, affected by factors such as a wave of business closures and weak tax compliance, the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone's tax revenue in 2025 was only 32.273 billion kip, a significant decrease of 48.98% compared to 2024, a net reduction of 127.729 billion kip. This directly reflects the slowdown in business activity and the continued economic pressure faced by the special economic zone.
The tax report shows that the special economic zone's tax information system registered 1,849 companies, of which 551 had ceased operations, meaning that nearly one-third of the companies were at a standstill. In 2025, 1,298 companies renewed their contracts, 165 companies obtained taxpayer identification numbers, and 721 companies obtained tax compliance certificates.
Despite the diligent performance of duties by tax officials, tax collection and administration still suffers from several shortcomings: First, the national agenda for resolving economic and financial difficulties has not yet been implemented, and budget shortages coupled with poor inter-departmental coordination have led to delays in enterprise investigation and classification. Second, the implementation of formal accounting systems for enterprises with annual revenue exceeding 400 million yuan has not met expectations, affecting the accuracy of tax calculations and the efficiency of collection and administration. Third, the promotion of tax declaration compliance is weak; currently, only large enterprises proactively file independent tax returns, with the overall declaration rate for enterprises in the special economic zone at 75.22% (55% in Bokeo Province), and most other enterprises only completing their declarations when receiving income or submitting annual reports. Fourth, training on electronic tax self-declaration and payment has been ineffective, and debt collection remains a significant challenge, with some historical debts difficult to resolve due to their association with past budget expenditures.
To improve the tax situation, the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone Tax Bureau has formulated several response plans: First, it strengthens cooperation with the Special Economic Zone Management Committee and project developers to promote the payment of annual road tax by vehicle owners within the zone and urges more enterprises to rely on their own accounting systems and regularly file and pay taxes through the tax information system; second, it focuses on monitoring the wage income tax declarations of foreign employees of the Dokneaukan Group, as well as the issuance and renewal fees for residence permits and ID cards, ensuring that 100% of related revenue is submitted to the national budget in accordance with the decentralization rules; third, it continuously collects relevant data on infrastructure projects and enterprises renewing lease agreements to improve the accuracy of tax calculation and ensure that all taxes and fees are fully collected; fourth, it requires tax officials to strengthen work planning, clarify job responsibilities, and conduct regular supervision and performance evaluations.
The report points out that although tax revenue will decline significantly in 2025, the Special Economic Zone's tax work has made some progress compared to previous years. In the future, only by increasing enforcement efforts, standardizing corporate accounting practices, and improving tax compliance can the Special Economic Zone's tax revenue gradually recover. (End)
