Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inaugurated Thailand's maiden Châteaux wine exhibition yesterday. Aimed at positioning Thailand as a burgeoning hub for global tourism and fine wines, the event signifies a new chapter in Thai-French cultural and economic ties.

 

Organised by the prestigious Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux, the exhibition drew Bordeaux wine producers and aficionados alike. During his opening speech, Thavisin underscored the event's symbolic importance, heralding stronger bilateral relations and shared appreciation for wine's cultural significance. He lauded wine tasting as an art form, highlighting Bordeaux wines as shining examples of this ancient craft.

 

Central to the PM's address was the “IGNITE Thailand” initiative. This ambitious vision seeks to elevate Thailand's status as a prime tourist destination by leveraging its "Soft Power" strengths, including its celebrated cuisine and the unique fusion of Thai food with international wines. He extended an invitation to all to sample the culinary marvels of Thai cuisine, which echo the nation's rich culinary heritage.

 

 

Significant changes to wine import taxes were announced as part of the initiative. Effective 2024, the wine tax will be halved from 10% to 5%, with import duties on wines from all countries completely eliminated. This move, which benefits major wine exporters like France, is set to make world-class wines more accessible to Thai consumers and promote a robust domestic wine market.

 

The policy shift also entails reduced excise taxes for entertainment venues such as nightclubs, discos, bars, and cocktail lounges. The reduced financial burden aims to encourage more social and cultural events, fostering a vibrant nightlife scene and bolstering local communities.

 

Through these measures, Thailand aims to enhance its international image, making strides in cultural exchange and tourism, all while fortifying its standing as a destination for wine enthusiasts worldwide.

 

-- 2024-06-03

 

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The French must be desperate, trying to offload their Bordeaux wines in Thailand 

AFAIK we're all still waiting to see lower prices on the shelf, in spite of what this article says. I've almost stopped looking at wine because of how absurd the prices are, though there is one Australian Chardonnay I keep on hand. Also, in this climate a glass full of ice and mixer with a spirit almost makes more sense than wine.

I did pick up a 750ml of a name brand vodka at Gourmet Market recently for half of the usual price. I don't think it was a pricing error, more likely phasing out old stock for the new labels coming; it's probably dreaming to think it was because of lower taxes kicking in, but we'll see.

Yeah, Lotus's are about to introduce their range of Chateaux Du Lakeview pineapple wines for the more discerning drinkers here in the village.

29 minutes ago, Enzian said:

AFAIK we're all still waiting to see lower prices on the shelf, in spite of what this article says. I've almost stopped looking at wine because of how absurd the prices are, though there is one Australian Chardonnay I keep on hand. Also, in this climate a glass full of ice and mixer with a spirit almost makes more sense than wine.

I did pick up a 750ml of a name brand vodka at Gourmet Market recently for half of the usual price. I don't think it was a pricing error, more likely phasing out old stock for the new labels coming; it's probably dreaming to think it was because of lower taxes kicking in, but we'll see.

I found the same at Lotus'sss a few weeks back.  They've changed the alc % from the standard 40 to 37.5.

 

Possibly for a lower tax rate?  But the new stock (37.5%) is the same price as the older 40% stock. 

 

Wine prices are still stupid for what is essentially red vinegar... Nasty stuff. 

18 minutes ago, Korat Kiwi said:

They've changed the alc % from the standard 40 to 37.5.

 

Vodka should be 40% (minimum).

Another hub but of very overpriced wines due to tax in Thailand. When do they stop with promting Thailand as a hub for everything, while in the meantime outdated laws, overpriced articles, and foreign unfriendly measures are reality.

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inaugurated Thailand's maiden Châteaux wine exhibition yesterday. Aimed at positioning Thailand as a burgeoning hub for global tourism and fine wines

At extortionate prices.

4 hours ago, webfact said:

Significant changes to wine import taxes were announced as part of the initiative. Effective 2024, the wine tax will be halved from 10% to 5%, with import duties on wines from all countries completely eliminated

Effective 2024... when in 2024

My local supplier still sells at the same old prices?

17 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

Effective 2024... when in 2024

My local supplier still sells at the same old prices?

Possibly the same old stock? 

Let's just keep announcing this over and over again, without ever actually implementing it. 

Looks like those visits to France early this year are beginning to reap rewards.

 

Extract from a Thai news article

"The PM then attended the Thailand-France Business Forum, held at L'Apostrophe Business Centre in Paris. In his opening remarks, Srettha highlighted the government’s “Ignite Thailand” vision, a campaign to elevate Thailand into a global hub for tourism, wellness and medical, agriculture and food, aviation, logistics, future mobility, digital economy, and finance. The PM underscored the vast potential for French companies interested in investing in Thailand."

5 hours ago, webfact said:

Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin inaugurated Thailand's maiden Châteaux wine exhibition yesterday. Aimed at positioning Thailand as a burgeoning hub for global tourism and fine wines, the event signifies a new chapter in Thai-French cultural and economic ties.

The only fine wines here have massive import taxes and duties on them which the govt said would be taken off. 

Total nonsense. Wine prices continue to be some of the highest in the world. Total taxes are well over 300%.

 

Thailand could have a dynamic wine industry, employing many thousands. But, they need to be willing to make sacrifices, a word they do not seem to understand. 

 

Srettha is a master of BS. 

6 hours ago, Korat Kiwi said:

I found the same at Lotus'sss a few weeks back.  They've changed the alc % from the standard 40 to 37.5.

 

Possibly for a lower tax rate?  But the new stock (37.5%) is the same price as the older 40% stock. 

 

Wine prices are still stupid for what is essentially red vinegar... Nasty stuff. 

Meanwhile in the south of Spain, a litre of lager, a litre of acceptable table wine ( my preference Rosè) and a bottle of Cava fizz, for just over €5.00. Less than THB250.

And when can we expect the first VSOP cognac, as you know the name cognac can only be used if it actually comes from the Cognac region in France.

3 hours ago, hotchilli said:

At extortionate prices.

And above all: NO comparable quality.
French wines remain superior to what the Thais think they can make.

 

49 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

And above all: NO comparable quality.
French wines remain superior to what the Thais think they can make.

 

They can't make decent beer either... and that's down to eliminating competition

46 minutes ago, Peterphuket said:

And above all: NO comparable quality.
French wines remain superior to what the Thais think they can make.

 

Most wines I think. Being an Aussie I hold our wine in the very highest regard. Thai 'wines' are not even worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence. 

12 minutes ago, dinsdale said:

Most wines I think. Being an Aussie I hold our wine in the very highest regard. Thai 'wines' are not even worthy of being mentioned in the same sentence. 

For Thai wine,  I think the term 'sheep dip'  would suffice. 

Just maybe they should learn how to make wine first. Before talking about being a hub again.

8 hours ago, Lancelot01 said:

Meanwhile in the south of Spain, a litre of lager, a litre of acceptable table wine ( my preference Rosè) and a bottle of Cava fizz, for just over €5.00. Less than THB250.

I pay about 350 baht for 5 litres of decent Aussie wine not the best but drinkable 

18 hours ago, Korat Kiwi said:

I found the same at Lotus'sss a few weeks back.  They've changed the alc % from the standard 40 to 37.5.

 

i can see changing the bottle size (skrinkflation and all that) but to drop the percentage ? ahhh not happy if i was a customer.

2 hours ago, stoner said:

 

i can see changing the bottle size (skrinkflation and all that) but to drop the percentage ? ahhh not happy if i was a customer.

Yes I found that rather odd. True spirits should be at least 40%.  

 

Thai spirits is normally lower, like all that stuff: red cock, white cock, white spirits.  Rocket fuel! 

 

Surprisingly SangSom is still 40%

20 hours ago, Peterphuket said:

And above all: NO comparable quality.
French wines remain superior to what the Thais think they can make.

 

Thailand has a fundamental problem in growing grapes, grapes are a Mediterranean climate plant.  This affects the quality.

They need a lot of research in how to breed varieties that will grow well in a subtropical climate., thus hopefully, improving the quality dramatically.  This is necessary if they want a profitable wine industry.

Just REDUCE the stupid tax

12 hours ago, still kicking said:

I pay about 350 baht for 5 litres of decent Aussie wine not the best but drinkable 

 no you don't - you mean fruti wine?

1 hour ago, MarkBR said:

Thailand has a fundamental problem in growing grapes, grapes are a Mediterranean climate plant.  This affects the quality.

They need a lot of research in how to breed varieties that will grow well in a subtropical climate., thus hopefully, improving the quality dramatically.  This is necessary if they want a profitable wine industry.

Don't forget also the years of now how of the French, and against that the indifference of the Thai.

On 6/3/2024 at 9:01 AM, Enzian said:

AFAIK we're all still waiting to see lower prices on the shelf, ...

 

Non-Vintage Champage like Moet and Veuve clicquot are now around 2000 baht as opposed to 4000+ or before, some old stock of other labels are still at the old price 

On 6/3/2024 at 8:22 AM, webfact said:

inaugurated Thailand's maiden Châteaux wine exhibition

Is he 'aving a laugh Thai wine is absolutely Sh!t.