Should Thailand tax junk food to help fight obesity?

[robblok]

If I had the chance to do this poll again, I would make the topic about general REGULATION rather than taxation. Regulations of course can include taxation but the word taxes seems to be an irrational hot button for many people. Regulations could be about laws governing what ingredients are put in common commercial foods, what amounts, and about honest LABELING.

If you had the chance to do this poll again, I wish you'd just refrain.

I have enough government meddling in my life and taxing me already, thank you just the same.

While i feel the same about government meddling, its also the non fat people who pick up the bill for the fatties who live an unhealthy lifestyle. If taxes raise for everyone because of obesity id rather have they tax the overweight ones.

That is the problem with government paid for healthcare.

But just taxing alone without education and alternatives.. nope. Its a real hard question and I am split on it. I like to people to live their lives if they see fit no matter how fat they become or what drugs they do. But they must pay for the consequences and not the people who don't do those kind of things.

Kinda like that everyone finds it normal that people who crash their cars a lot pay more premium instead of raising the premium of us all.

Food for thought.

[samran]

I think they should tax white rice as well and encourage eating BROWN rice with economic incentives. The key is the Thai youth. Any child that become obese is highly probable to be fated to be obese for life, a shorter life.

While they're at it they should seriously reduce the WINE tax because wine is good for you.

Sounds like a wino to me. I believe it is one glass with your meal.

Also why not put the responsability on parents to teach the children from the git go what is good for them and what is not good for them. If you want a nanny state you are in the wrong country. Take your culture else where. Many of us moved here to escape a nanny state and I am sure the Thai's are not looking for one.

Escaped from nanny state! LOL

The thai governments tentacles into most parts of the economy, as well as dictates on limits of freedom of speech and cultural engineering where older important people are always 'right' make even the most interventionist Scandinavian country look like a laissez faire nirvana.

I suspect when you are talking about escaping the nanny state, you are really talking about your ability to live cheaply, speed and drink drive and get away with it.

[Halion]

Education and not taxation is the answer along with a government that employes and enforces good health and hygiene in the food industry.

[samran]

Education and not taxation is the answer along with a government that employes and enforces good health and hygiene in the food industry.

Oh, and who pays for the education? The tooth fairy?

Typical hypocritical response, don't need the government, um, until I need the government...

Edited December 31, 2013 by samran

[Sayonarax]

Always trying to control people...

[h90]

Daft topic cos Thais eat raw fat, sugar and salt in their every day diet..............

One reason I mentioned taxing white rice which is basically SUGAR. Some fat, sugar, and salt is fine of course.

Thailand already uses taxation for social engineering. Often very, very clumsily but they still do it. This seems a natural for Thailand except for one thing. The people would HATE it. They love this junk food!

I have a problem with the idea of social engineering. A general problem, because this creating the better human is something for totalitarian regimes.

Second problem is that when you look at the people who do the social engineering, Chalerm, Yingluck, Thaksin, Barnharn......

Instead of the tax on this food, a better beginning would be information, still many, if not most Thais believe that white rice is a healthy food. That Burgers are good food because they come from Farangland. That fat, extreme fat children are a good sign of wealth luck and they are cute.

Maybe put some education in Thai soap operas?

Sorry to say studies are showing "information" and "education" are not very effective tools in combating obesity. That's more of an elitist pie in the sky concept. In real life most people are drawn to the most horribly unhealthy foods no matter how you "inform" them.

But it might at least reduce that feeding children fat per purpose. Actually they most fat are the new rich in Thailand, not the poor.

But I agree it may not work at all.....

[NeverSure]

For so many posters here it's a given that government provides health insurance, and therefore has a right to dictate what they do with their body.

I'm not willing to give up my liberty for (perceived) security, and I think you're a bunch of cowards who are afraid to take care of yourselves. I also think you're a bunch of shaking, nosy old ladies who want to control everyone else's lives.

I have a suggestion for you. Fk off and let me breath the fresh air of liberty.

Still friends?

Get your hand off it.

No one is dictating how anyone acts. Only that they pay for the consequences they cause. You blokes are all about personal liberty, but when your actions affect others, you are more than happy to show them the middle finger.

And when their actions affect themselves, they are happy to jump on the gravy train and suck up whatever resources are available like an addict with a line of cocaine!!

They wouldn't be the first when afflicted with something serious, to take a flight home for free treatment, even though they hadn't lived there, or contributed a bean to the welfare system, for years .

Aha. That's where you're wrong. I paid into Medicare about 7% of my gross income all of my life, to become eligible for it when I turned 65. Now I still pay almost $300 a month for Medicare A, B, F and E. (A, B, Medigap + prescription drugs) and I have and do pay well and good for any health care I get. I switched from Medicare Advantage for about $150 per month early this month during what's called "open enrollment". Medigap (F) removes deductibles and co-pays.

Socialists pay for it in hidden or not so hidden taxes and think they get it for free. Then they let those who never contributed crowd up to the trough. People in the UK etc. are getting royally screwed, blued, and tattooed. Many can't afford to live there due to wild taxes for "free" medical care.

[ToddWeston]

For so many posters here it's a given that government provides health insurance, and therefore has a right to dictate what they do with their body.

I'm not willing to give up my liberty for (perceived) security, and I think you're a bunch of cowards who are afraid to take care of yourselves. I also think you're a bunch of shaking, nosy old ladies who want to control everyone else's lives.

I have a suggestion for you. Fk off and let me breath the fresh air of liberty.

Still friends?

Get your hand off it.

No one is dictating how anyone acts. Only that they pay for the consequences they cause. You blokes are all about personal liberty, but when your actions affect others, you are more than happy to show them the middle finger.

And when their actions affect themselves, they are happy to jump on the gravy train and suck up whatever resources are available like an addict with a line of cocaine!!

They wouldn't be the first when afflicted with something serious, to take a flight home for free treatment, even though they hadn't lived there, or contributed a bean to the welfare system, for years .

Aha. That's where you're wrong. I paid into Medicare about 7% of my gross income all of my life, to become eligible for it when I turned 65. Now I still pay almost $300 a month for Medicare A, B, F and E. (A, B, Medigap + prescription drugs) and I have and do pay well and good for any health care I get. I switched from Medicare Advantage for about $150 per month early this month during what's called "open enrollment". Medigap (F) removes deductibles and co-pays.

Socialists pay for it in hidden or not so hidden taxes and think they get it for free. Then they let those who never contributed crowd up to the trough. People in the UK etc. are getting royally screwed, blued, and tattooed. Many can't afford to live there due to wild taxes for "free" medical care.

And everynight when I go to bed I don't have to worry about anyone in my family or community getting sick or being hospitalised the next day. I'll gladly pay whatever tax so my clan of over 100 don't have to worry, anything less than that is pure selfishness. Edited December 31, 2013 by ToddWeston

[thaibeachlovers]

No. I don't want to pay more for my junk food.

Seriously, as junk food is seen as cool, they will still eat it.

Education is the only answer.

[rotary]

Be careful or Thailand will become like America. The land of the "not" free.

[Jingthing]

Be careful or Thailand will become like America. The land of the "not" free.

American doesn't have junk food taxes and is almost the most obese large nation in the world. So your point is totally off base.

That is what I am suggesting -- that Thailand AVOID becoming like America and take strong government action through regulation to stop the rapid growth rate of obesity in Thailand, especially among the youth.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Jingthing

[David48]

Be careful or Thailand will become like America. The land of the "not" free.

American doesn't have junk food taxes and is almost the most obese large nation in the world. So your point is totally off base.

That is what I am suggesting -- that Thailand AVOID becoming like America and take strong government action through regulation to stop the rapid growth rate of obesity in Thailand, especially among the youth.

I lived in America the USA for 6 months... what surprised me was the physicial size of the servings of food there.

Honestly, a standard meal would feed both me and the Thai gf ... and, believe me ... she can put it away.

I know that I'm digressing from the OP but I believe the portion size to a contribiting factor to what Jt says above (the most obese large nation in the world).

.

[Jingthing]

Be careful or Thailand will become like America. The land of the "not" free.

American doesn't have junk food taxes and is almost the most obese large nation in the world. So your point is totally off base.

That is what I am suggesting -- that Thailand AVOID becoming like America and take strong government action through regulation to stop the rapid growth rate of obesity in Thailand, especially among the youth.

I lived in America the USA for 6 months... what surprised me was the physicial size of the servings of food there.

Honestly, a standard meal would feed both me and the Thai gf ... and, believe me ... she can put it away.

I know that I'm digressing from the OP but I believe the portion size to a contribiting factor to what Jt says above (the most obese large nation in the world).

.

Yes Americans expect large portion sizes in restaurants. That is a problem.

I don't think the government can generally regulate portion size. Mayor Bloomberg of New York tried to address that on one detail and an important one, the super sized soda drinks, but he failed to do so. He was right to try.

Please get your facts correct, Mr. Big Shot Whippersnapper Winner, America is not the most obese large nation in world now -- MEXICO is!

Australia is quite obese as well, and the UK is gaining ...

Edited December 31, 2013 by Jingthing

[up-country_sinclair]

what do you propose to do to stop the tidal wave of obesity in Thailand?

A decrease in hyperbolic language would be a good start.

Then the relevant agencies can focus on encouraging people to eat sensibly and exercise more.

[Jingthing]

what do you propose to do to stop the tidal wave of obesity in Thailand?

A decrease in hyperbolic language would be a good start.

Then the relevant agencies can focus on encouraging people to eat sensibly and exercise more.

Where is your evidence that could possibly be effective?

[up-country_sinclair]

what do you propose to do to stop the tidal wave of obesity in Thailand?

A decrease in hyperbolic language would be a good start.

Then the relevant agencies can focus on encouraging people to eat sensibly and exercise more.

Where is your evidence that could possibly be effective?

The mirror and scale in my bathroom.

And by the way, if you really want to decrease obesity, start with the 'tidal wave' of food going down the gullet.

Edited December 31, 2013 by up-country_sinclair

[Jingthing]

I'm talking about social policy for the MASSES, not the personal life of one person dude.

[MJP]

Have a read . . .

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-24740288

Now of course a lot of this is caused by glutinous starchy rice, MSG, refined sugar and perhaps genes, but a shed full of burgers isn't really going to help either.

This is a serious problem for Asia. They are getting fat and they are getting diabetes. A lot of them and at earlier ages. This is going to impact on economic development and societal structures of young looking after old.

So, to fund the campaign to deal with this, why not send the bill to McD's and Co.?

[up-country_sinclair]

I'm talking about social policy for the MASSES, not the personal life of one person dude.

Considering the number of food/weight related threads you start and post on, it is somewhat about the personal life of one person, dude.

[Jingthing]

The thing is, you can bet the house that more and more governments ARE going to get involved in regulations to fight obesity because based on current trends, as in Mexico, they will have NO CHOICE. I am suggesting that Thailand get ahead of the curve while they are still in the earlier stages of this growing pandemic. I have confidence I'm right, that Thailand will go this way EVENTUALLY but I am suggesting save some more lives SOONER than later. That's all.

[Jingthing]

I'm talking about social policy for the MASSES, not the personal life of one person dude.

Considering the number of food/weight related threads you start and post on, it is somewhat about the personal life of one person, dude.

I get it now. You're only posting to insult me. Thanks for the reveal. Adios.

[David48]

Australia is quite obese as well ...

I'm quite trim actually.

Humsum as well ...

I'll buy you a San Migel Light next time I'm in Pattaya ...

[Jingthing]

Australia is quite obese as well ...

I'm quite trim actually.

Humsum as well ...

I'll buy you a San Migel Light next time I'm in Pattaya ...

What does your personal life have to do with this topic? This is about social policy for the nation of Thailand. Not your gossip / social games.

Edited December 31, 2013 by Jingthing

[CharlieH]

Australia is quite obese as well ...

I'm quite trim actually.

Humsum as well ...

I'll buy you a San Migel Light next time I'm in Pattaya ...

What does your personal life have to do with this topic? This is about social policy for the nation of Thailand. Not your gossip / social games.

Yeah, crime of the century, innit, Happy New Year to you too !

[Thai at Heart]

If I had the chance to do this poll again, I would make the topic about general REGULATION rather than taxation. Regulations of course can include taxation but the word taxes seems to be an irrational hot button for many people. Regulations could be about laws governing what ingredients are put in common commercial foods, what amounts, and about honest LABELING.

If you had the chance to do this poll again, I wish you'd just refrain.

I have enough government meddling in my life and taxing me already, thank you just the same.

While i feel the same about government meddling, its also the non fat people who pick up the bill for the fatties who live an unhealthy lifestyle. If taxes raise for everyone because of obesity id rather have they tax the overweight ones.

That is the problem with government paid for healthcare.

But just taxing alone without education and alternatives.. nope. Its a real hard question and I am split on it. I like to people to live their lives if they see fit no matter how fat they become or what drugs they do. But they must pay for the consequences and not the people who don't do those kind of things.

Kinda like that everyone finds it normal that people who crash their cars a lot pay more premium instead of raising the premium of us all.

Food for thought.

Depends if you see intervention on any issue by a government as some kind of massive affront and imposition.

Not all government action is some pernicious effort to mess with your life. Yes government shouldn't get over a certain size, however, if it can help to keep people fitter and healthier is this a bad thing.

[jaideeguy]

I voted 'yes' not only for fighting obesity but also for fighting the plastic packaging that it is wrapped in and left to litter the LOS.

[brit1984]

Australia is quite obese as well ...

I'm quite trim actually.

Humsum as well ...

I'll buy you a San Migel Light next time I'm in Pattaya ...

What does your personal life have to do with this topic? This is about social policy for the nation of Thailand. Not your gossip / social games.

please stay focused - there is no time for bickering in the war against fast food

ronald mcdonald is not wasting time asking rhetorical questions on chat forums

[singa-traz]

Like someone suggested, let's tax those who are overweight or obese, for example, by increasing their social security contribution, proportionate to their excess weight.

And use the money for education.

For foreigners in Thailand, I can already imagine this at the 90 days reporting 5555 ... at 1,000 THB a kilo, that will be a real incentive to take the necessary daily break of 30 minutes off the computer, and to walk around the house.

Can you hear the scream already? : "And what about human rights?" ...

Well, if the government can send their own policemen to "Fat Boot Camp" ... (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/05/fat-thai-police-officers-_n_3550390.html)

Ok, let's write a proposal to the Health Ministry and also thanks the Immigration for their support, to take good care of our health.

On a slighly more serious note, if everyone was taking care of their own health in the first place, and try to positively influence 3 others of their relatives/friends, we might not need to use any of the proposed and extrem measure.

[up-country_sinclair]

Like someone suggested, let's tax those who are overweight or obese, for example, by increasing their social security contribution, proportionate to their excess weight.

And use the money for education.

Excellent suggestion. Why should I have to pay a tax because some fatties can't control themselves?

[Jingthing]

Japan for a time forced counseling on people with a larger waist size. For men about 35 inches. Not sure if this policy is still on or how effective it was. Yes 35 inches isn't very fat considering health risks don't get serious until 40 inches.

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