Civil group backs Thai govt.’s decision to raise liquor, cigarette taxes

BANGKOK, August 22 (TNA) - A network of people affected by alcoholic drinks expresses support for the government’s decision to raise excise taxes on liquor and cigarettes while further calling for an increase in the ceiling of an excise tax on beer and wine. The Thai cabinet on Tuesday decided to raise an excise tax on white spirits from 120 to 150 baht per liter, increase a tax on blended liquor from 300 to 350 baht per liter, and adjust prices of cigarette upward by 6-10 baht per pack. Jadet Chaowilai, adviser to the network said Wednesday that the cabinet’s decision should cut liquor consumption and smoking, particular among young and new consumers. He said the group also wants the cabinet to apply a new excise tax rate on beer and wine as the existing maximum tax of 400 baht is considered low, taking into account the alcohol content, reasoning also that if they were not raised, drinkers might turn to beer and wine instead. (TNA)