OPINION

Rethink the tax on sugary drinks

Oped, Adis Israngkura na Ayudya, Published on 24/08/2016

» Thailand has had the bright idea of curbing public health problems such as obesity and heart diseases by imposing an excise tax on sugary drinks sold mainly in convenience stores. This idea has been implemented in some developed countries such as the UK, US, Norway, Denmark and France. In the case of the Thai tax scheme, the sugary drinks to be taxed include, for instance, carbonated drinks, green tea, canned coffee, energy drinks, sour milk, soymilk and bottled juice. The tax rates to be imposed on such sugary drinks are 20% for those with sugar concentrations between 6g-10g per 100ml while those with higher sugar concentrations will be subject to 25% tax.