Mixed reactions to Finance Ministry’s cigarette tax hike  proposal

 

 

The Finance Ministry’s plan to seek the Cabinet’s approval on a new rise in excise taxes that will result in the retail prices of cigarette being raised by 2 baht per pack has drawn mixed reactions.

 

The ministry aims to gain about 3 billion baht more in additional tax revenues per year from the proposed hike in cigarette taxes for use to fund the country’s universal coverage (UC) health care scheme, better known as the 30 baht scheme.

 

And as soon as the media began reporting about the proposed cigarette tax hike earlier this week, some critics expressed concerns over a negative impact of the tax rise on the tobacco growers.

 

Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/mixed-reactions-to-finance-ministrys-cigarette-tax-hike-proposal/

 

-- © Copyright Thai PBS 2018-10-04

1 hour ago, webfact said:

some critics expressed concerns over a negative impact of the tax rise on the tobacco growers.

 

Hmmm... so the critics are concerned about the tobacco farmers who are responsible for the deaths every year of so many victims hopelessly addicted to their deadly nicotine products? Oh my Buddha! ????

 

Revenues from cigarette taxes - THE reason all governments love the deadly tobacco industry. 

Edited October 3, 20187 yr by metisdead
Please do not modify someone else's post in your quoted reply, either with font or color changes or wording.

Go for it, but as usual the 3 Billion Baht won't go for what it is intended for. The Social Health system needs these funds desperately, but follow the money I would bet none will get to where it is needed!

 

I'm pretty sure that there is a collapsing hospital story on thaivisa today that will be jumping for joy at a measely 2 baht a pack - that they wont see. 

for some brands, the 2 baht hike will take them into a higher tax bracket, which means Camel (now 60bt) will be 90!!!

All they do is create a black market. People who are able, buy their cigs in Laos or even Cambodia, at 20% the cost of Thailand.

 

For those who do not want to travel to either country there are contacts that go across the border and pick up how many cartons a customer wants. On the Thai side you can bring in 2 cartons... OK 5 girls/people in a car and you are legal to have 10 cartons. 

 

It was the same in the states as I knew a guy who sold cartons of name brand Mexican cigarettes for $7 when the stores sold the cartons for $30.. He drove a very expensive Cadillac and the selling of cigs was all he did. He did home delivery as both my neighbors bought from him..

 

There is always a need for more taxes by any government.

 

I think more money for roads, water management, health care, and stream lining some of the bureaucratic processes would go along way to making life better for everyone..

 

Subs and other expenditures for the military (which some would justify) is pretty far down on the needs of Thailand IMO especially when almost all of the bombings and killings seem to happen way down south. Is Burma, Laos, or Cambodia planning on invading ?

 

If China decides to invade all you will hear is a large sucking sound as Thailand and many others lay down their arms and try to figure out how to say, "can't we all just get along !"

 

China does not need to invade as they will finance their way into controlling a country.

 

 

IF the tax benefits the UC, then this can only be a good thing....IF.

 

Put it up 20 baht or 50 baht and you may actually solve more problems.

 

Let the rabble complain...you may just save their life.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

Mixed reactions to Finance Ministry’s cigarette tax hike  proposal

It will be met with a counter proposal from cross border smugglers. 

6 hours ago, webfact said:

The ministry aims to gain about 3 billion baht more in additional tax revenues per year from the proposed hike in cigarette taxes for use to fund the country’s universal coverage (UC) health care scheme

Eliminate the annual military conscription, save 12 billion baht annually and adequately fund the UC scheme.

Pity the mixed reactions never extended to wine tax keep calm and carry on vaping ????