Thailand Unveils Salt Tax Plans to Curb Sodium Consumption

[webfact]

File photo

 

In a bid to tackle high sodium consumption and its associated health risks, Thailand's Excise Department is crafting a roadmap to introduce a salt tax, starting with snack foods. This initiative mirrors previous steps taken with the sugar tax, aiming to improve public health through economic incentives.

 

Kulaya Tantitemit, head of the Excise Department, shared that the discussions are ongoing with industry stakeholders. The aim is to gather input from the private sector as part of a collaborative effort to understand the potential impacts and refine the proposed tax structure.

 

Significantly, this salt tax would be enforced initially on snack foods, which often lack nutritional value and contribute heavily to sodium intake. Acknowledging the challenge such a tax poses to businesses, the department plans to offer a transition period, mirroring the gradual implementation observed with the sugar tax launched in 2017. The sugar tax implementation, which increased over three phases, allowed businesses time to adapt to the increasing tax rates.

 

Under the proposed tax, products would be taxed based on their sodium content, thereby encouraging manufacturers to reduce salt levels. Initially, the focus will be on snacks, leaving items like seasonings and instant noodles outside of this preliminary tax wave.

Moreover, the department's tax restructuring plan also sees an environmental angle with changes proposed for battery taxes. Primary, single-use batteries would face higher taxes than secondary, rechargeable ones, encouraging more sustainable practices. Lighter and more efficient batteries will attract a lower tax rate, further promoting environmentally friendly options.

 

The discussions align with broader government policies aimed at boosting tourism and increasing excise tax collection through other avenues, like the potential easing of alcohol sale restrictions. Such regulatory changes are intended to ramp up consumption, subsequently increasing government revenue through excise duties.

 

For the fiscal year 2025, the Excise Department has set an ambitious revenue collection target of 609 billion Thai Baht. It’s a challenging goal, but the department and its director-general, Ms. Kulaya, are determined to meet it through strategic tax restructuring and broader regulatory policies.

 

This tax initiative represents a broader commitment from the Thai government to enhance public health while stimulating economic gains through nuanced fiscal reforms, illustrating a progressive step towards sustainable development.

 

These developments are crucial in the context of a global push towards healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability, positioning Thailand among forward-thinking nations making strides in public health and economic reform, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

[MikeandDow]

Thailand the Hub of big ideas but no enforcement

[Artisi]

As if a few extra baht per kilo for salt is going to make any difference - just more verbal 💩. 

[Photoguy21]

Sugar would be a better product to target with so much Diabetes in the country

[ThomasThBKK]

10 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

Sugar would be a better product to target with so much Diabetes in the country

 

Too naive of you.

 

If you are bored then google who owns the biggest Asian sugar company and how he is involved in the country. 

[Upnotover]

15 minutes ago, Photoguy21 said:

Sugar would be a better product to target with so much Diabetes in the country

Already done.  The impact has been astonishing.

 

"sugar tax launched in 2017. The sugar tax implementation, which increased over three phases, allowed businesses time to adapt to the increasing tax rates"

[bkk6060]

One of the stupidest things I have heard of all about money not health.

40 million tourists coming where is the money going?  Get Musk over here..

[jaideedave]

2 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo

 

In a bid to tackle high sodium consumption and its associated health risks, Thailand's Excise Department is crafting a roadmap to introduce a salt tax, starting with snack foods. This initiative mirrors previous steps taken with the sugar tax, aiming to improve public health through economic incentives.

 

Kulaya Tantitemit, head of the Excise Department, shared that the discussions are ongoing with industry stakeholders. The aim is to gather input from the private sector as part of a collaborative effort to understand the potential impacts and refine the proposed tax structure.

 

Significantly, this salt tax would be enforced initially on snack foods, which often lack nutritional value and contribute heavily to sodium intake. Acknowledging the challenge such a tax poses to businesses, the department plans to offer a transition period, mirroring the gradual implementation observed with the sugar tax launched in 2017. The sugar tax implementation, which increased over three phases, allowed businesses time to adapt to the increasing tax rates.

 

Under the proposed tax, products would be taxed based on their sodium content, thereby encouraging manufacturers to reduce salt levels. Initially, the focus will be on snacks, leaving items like seasonings and instant noodles outside of this preliminary tax wave.

Moreover, the department's tax restructuring plan also sees an environmental angle with changes proposed for battery taxes. Primary, single-use batteries would face higher taxes than secondary, rechargeable ones, encouraging more sustainable practices. Lighter and more efficient batteries will attract a lower tax rate, further promoting environmentally friendly options.

 

The discussions align with broader government policies aimed at boosting tourism and increasing excise tax collection through other avenues, like the potential easing of alcohol sale restrictions. Such regulatory changes are intended to ramp up consumption, subsequently increasing government revenue through excise duties.

 

For the fiscal year 2025, the Excise Department has set an ambitious revenue collection target of 609 billion Thai Baht. It’s a challenging goal, but the department and its director-general, Ms. Kulaya, are determined to meet it through strategic tax restructuring and broader regulatory policies.

 

This tax initiative represents a broader commitment from the Thai government to enhance public health while stimulating economic gains through nuanced fiscal reforms, illustrating a progressive step towards sustainable development.

 

These developments are crucial in the context of a global push towards healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability, positioning Thailand among forward-thinking nations making strides in public health and economic reform, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

I've read that the Thai gov't is broke (10k giveaway vote buying scheme) so they are grasping at straws these days.Whats next? Oh wait...Carbon Tax..same as Canada/Austrailia .

[hotchilli]

17 hours ago, webfact said:

In a bid to tackle high sodium consumption and its associated health risks, Thailand's Excise Department is crafting a roadmap to introduce a salt tax, starting with snack foods. This initiative mirrors previous steps taken with the sugar tax, aiming to improve public health through economic incentives.

Would be better to start with sugar..

[wavodavo]

16 hours ago, Artisi said:

As if a few extra baht per kilo for salt is going to make any difference - just more verbal 💩. 

It won't be a salt tax it will be a  food tax for Thailand because all thai food is very high in salt e.g. instant 5 second noodles.

[anchadian]

16 hours ago, Photoguy21 said:

Sugar would be a better product to target with so much Diabetes in the country

Not so sure about that with a large number of Thais that have CKD.

[save the frogs]

that regular table salt is unhealthy.

but maybe sea salt is ok for health? 

 

[Gsxrnz]

Government bureaucrats 'tink too mut'.

 

What's next, making salted peanuts a controlled substance? 

[newbee2022]

20 hours ago, webfact said:

File photo

 

In a bid to tackle high sodium consumption and its associated health risks, Thailand's Excise Department is crafting a roadmap to introduce a salt tax, starting with snack foods. This initiative mirrors previous steps taken with the sugar tax, aiming to improve public health through economic incentives.

 

Kulaya Tantitemit, head of the Excise Department, shared that the discussions are ongoing with industry stakeholders. The aim is to gather input from the private sector as part of a collaborative effort to understand the potential impacts and refine the proposed tax structure.

 

Significantly, this salt tax would be enforced initially on snack foods, which often lack nutritional value and contribute heavily to sodium intake. Acknowledging the challenge such a tax poses to businesses, the department plans to offer a transition period, mirroring the gradual implementation observed with the sugar tax launched in 2017. The sugar tax implementation, which increased over three phases, allowed businesses time to adapt to the increasing tax rates.

 

Under the proposed tax, products would be taxed based on their sodium content, thereby encouraging manufacturers to reduce salt levels. Initially, the focus will be on snacks, leaving items like seasonings and instant noodles outside of this preliminary tax wave.

 

Moreover, the department's tax restructuring plan also sees an environmental angle with changes proposed for battery taxes. Primary, single-use batteries would face higher taxes than secondary, rechargeable ones, encouraging more sustainable practices. Lighter and more efficient batteries will attract a lower tax rate, further promoting environmentally friendly options.

 

The discussions align with broader government policies aimed at boosting tourism and increasing excise tax collection through other avenues, like the potential easing of alcohol sale restrictions. Such regulatory changes are intended to ramp up consumption, subsequently increasing government revenue through excise duties.

 

For the fiscal year 2025, the Excise Department has set an ambitious revenue collection target of 609 billion Thai Baht. It’s a challenging goal, but the department and its director-general, Ms. Kulaya, are determined to meet it through strategic tax restructuring and broader regulatory policies.

 

This tax initiative represents a broader commitment from the Thai government to enhance public health while stimulating economic gains through nuanced fiscal reforms, illustrating a progressive step towards sustainable development.

 

These developments are crucial in the context of a global push towards healthier lifestyles and environmental sustainability, positioning Thailand among forward-thinking nations making strides in public health and economic reform, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-18

 

 

It's a long way to a more healthier life/food in Thailand.

It's too much salt, too much sugar, too much MSG/Knorr.

And too much processed microwave stuff from 7/11.

I entered the country the first time end of 70s. Slim, smiling people. 

And now? Look around. Obesity everywhere. Not only farangs.🤗

[Purdey]

Looking at the sugar content of food here you wouldn't think there was any attention to lower the amount through tax. Everything contains sugar. 

[lordgrinz]

21 minutes ago, newbee2022 said:

It's a long way to a more healthier life/food in Thailand.

It's too much salt, too much sugar, too much MSG/Knorr.

And too much processed microwave stuff from 7/11.

I entered the country the first time end of 70s. Slim, smiling people. 

And now? Look around. Obesity everywhere. Not only farangs.🤗

 

Yup, it's been getting worse the last few years too.

[newbee2022]

8 minutes ago, lordgrinz said:

 

Yup, it's been getting worse the last few years too.

Losing their charm unfortunately 

[NoMoonLogistics]

18 hours ago, jaideedave said:

I've read that the Thai gov't is broke (10k giveaway vote buying scheme) so they are grasping at straws these days.Whats next? Oh wait...Carbon Tax..same as Canada/Austrailia .

What are you talking about? Thailand's national debt as a proportion of GDP is almost exactly one half of eg, USA. They are the brokest bum on the planet by trillions. 'havn't had a surplus in over 20 years.

 

Australia does not have any kind of carbon tax. - and they have been in surplus for the past 3 years ( turned around by a "far left marxist socialist" (lol) Labor government after 10 years of centre-right conservative bad management).

 

But carry on.. if you aren't interested in facts and just want to rant.

[OneManShow]

21 hours ago, webfact said:

Under the proposed tax, products would be taxed based on their sodium content, thereby encouraging manufacturers to reduce salt levels. Initially, the focus will be on snacks, leaving items like seasonings and instant noodles outside of this preliminary tax wave.

Health 😂 It will cause inflation only, higher prices on products. 

[lordgrinz]

Taxing my salty treats I eat with my beer is blasphemy!

[black tabby12345]

False: Salt tax for lesser Sodium Consumption.

True: For another Easy Billions.

[Merrill]

Strange I am being told otherwise salt is not as detrimental as made out. We all need salt animals travel 100 of miles to get a lick of salt without it we die. Not to mention that when you gave high blood pressure or heart condition they put you on a saline drip a huge amount of salt goes into your system. Sugar is thousands of times  worse, MSG and the Thais  load your food with it, it is a killer. So I think we all need to do or own research on the matter and you won’t find much truth using Google. Try other Search directories 

[MikeandDow]

48 minutes ago, Merrill said:

Strange I am being told otherwise salt is not as detrimental as made out. We all need salt animals travel 100 of miles to get a lick of salt without it we die. Not to mention that when you gave high blood pressure or heart condition they put you on a saline drip a huge amount of salt goes into your system. Sugar is thousands of times  worse, MSG and the Thais  load your food with it, it is a killer. So I think we all need to do or own research on the matter and you won’t find much truth using Google. Try other Search directories 

Ingestion of large amounts of salt can kill you, so salt is  detrimental to your heath

[redwood1]

1 hour ago, Merrill said:

Strange I am being told otherwise salt is not as detrimental as made out. We all need salt animals travel 100 of miles to get a lick of salt without it we die. Not to mention that when you gave high blood pressure or heart condition they put you on a saline drip a huge amount of salt goes into your system. Sugar is thousands of times  worse, MSG and the Thais  load your food with it, it is a killer. So I think we all need to do or own research on the matter and you won’t find much truth using Google. Try other Search directories 

 

Its not salt or sugar thats bad its the highly processed kinds that create problems....

 

While MSG is truly horrid stuff and should be 100% banned as a food additive...

[AustinRacing]

How about sex tax for foreigners. There’s too much of it going on which is unhealthy for Thai men as they can’t compete. 

[Artisi]

On 2/18/2025 at 6:27 PM, bkk6060 said:

One of the stupidest things I have heard of all about money not health.

40 million tourists coming where is the money going?  Get Musk over here..

He came one to rescue the football team from the flooded cave - a complete fiasco so do you really think he has anything constructive to add now?