Cigarette tax hike stalled

BANGKOK: -- The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) wants to raise the excise tax on cigarettes but the Cabinet’s agenda-screening committee has delayed putting the proposal up for approval, a deputy governor said yesterday.

The measure, which seeks to raise the excise tax from 75 to 79 per cent, would give the BMA a further Bt300 million in yearly income, Deputy Governor Panit Wikitset said.

Cabinet last week backed a tax hike on cigarettes in the provinces.

Many provincial administrative organisations had adjusted the tax, but the BMA had not, Panit said. Many people were urging the BMA to implement the hike because cigarettes upcountry were now Bt2 more expensive per pack than those in the capital, prompting customers to come to buy cigarettes in Bangkok. The move had, thus, affected retailers upcountry.

The BMA will meet with provincial administrators this month to explain that the BMA also wants to implement the hike but the matter has yet to be put to the Cabinet – despite two previous requests via the Interior Ministry, he said.

--The Nation 2005-12-13

L&M now costs 46 Baht.

Bastards, taking our money even more.

This is the problem with having a Government owned tobacco industry.

Conflict of interest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yep - I noticed that too today - 46 baht, I thought id been short changed!

A big jump if you ask me, surprised id not heard anyone complaining?

Yep - I noticed that too today - 46 baht, I thought id been short changed!

A big jump if you ask me, surprised id not heard anyone complaining?

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Probably because some of us are paying $10 or more for Lites (20)

cough

This is the problem with having a Government owned tobacco industry.

Conflict of interest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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This is one area where I prefer the shoddy, non-commercially orientated Thai government to have control. They have done a 'woeful' job at promoting cigarettes, and by virtue, have done a wonderful job at keeping many people from smoking.

Always refreshing coming back from Europe and the UK and not having people blowing smoke in my face.

Samran, check your PMs.

Yep - I noticed that too today - 46 baht, I thought id been short changed!

A big jump if you ask me, surprised id not heard anyone complaining?

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Who could you complain to Soph, and would they take any notice? TIT remember

This is the problem with having a Government owned tobacco industry.

Conflict of interest!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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So what excuse does the UK Govt have? They don't own any part of it but still tax the hel_l out of it.