Sin tax increase

[migrant]

From the Bangkok Post


“Sinning” gets more expensive

If you are a smoker (not a good idea) here in Thailand, you will quickly notice that a pack of your favourite cigarettes has jumped in price. If you are also a drinker, your "sin" bill will be even higher.

That's because sin taxes for cigarettes and liquor have been raised.

Cabinet members yesterday approved an increase in cigarette excise taxes from 85% to 87%. The cabinet also approved an increase in taxes for white spirits to 150 baht per litre of 100% alcohol content, up from 120 baht. For blended spirits, the tax was increased to 350 baht per litre of 100% alcohol content, up from 300 baht previously.

The cigarette tax hike, which took effect yesterday, is projected to raise 10 billion baht in additional tax revenues a year, according to Benja Louichareon, director-general of the Excise Department. The liquor tax hike is projected to raise another 2 billion baht in revenues per year.

Sin taxes are also intended to reduce consumption of cigarettes and alcoholic drinks by raising their retail price.

Officials estimate, for example, that store prices for Marlboro cigarettes should increase by eight baht per pack, six baht for Mild Seven cigarettes and six baht for Krong Thip cigarettes.

Imported cigarettes from China could rise in price by as much as 20 baht per pack, after factoring in the increase on other taxes such as value-added taxes and import taxes, officials said.

Ms Benja pointed out, however, that some sellers may choose to absorb the cost of the higher taxes themselves rather than increasing prices.

She said the tax hikes were relatively limited as many rates already were at or near the ceiling permitted under the law. Sharp increases could also result in more smuggling or tax evasion.

Thus, price alone, is not likely to prevent people from slowly killing themselves.

[Spitfire]

Yes, will just increase smuggling and will hit the poorest in ways like there will be less on the table for the family as I doubt it'll stop the average Thai guy from indulging in either vice.

Might also drive more people to consume cheap low quality liquor which is even worse for your health.

[Murray]

What do you currently pay for a pack of marlboro and a 6 pack of beer?

Are the prices excessively high, or pretty reasonable?

[Pleng]

Less than 100bt for a pack of cigs. A 6-pack of beer (330ml cans/bottles) in 7 would probably cost a tad shy of 240bt. Obviously can be had a lot cheaper if you go to supermarkets/macro. I've prevously bought cases of 12 large bottles (Chang Export) for around the 470 mark.

[BaaBaa.]

What do you currently pay for a pack of marlboro and a 6 pack of beer?

Are the prices excessively high, or pretty reasonable?

About 65 baht for 20 Marlboro, they're the most expensive, you can get a large bottle of beer (640ml) for under 45 baht.