Tax increase on alcohol to hit foreigners and benefit Tourist Police
Pattaya:-- The government announced a new increase in duties to be paid on alcohol, ahead of the Songkran Festival. The duties for alcoholic beverages containing up to 12% alcohol will be increased by 20 baht per 100 ml, while beverage with more than 12% will be increased by 40 baht per 100 ml.
The increase, starting next week on the 5th April, is the start of a new campaign to decrease the number of alcohol related accidents during the songkran holiday.
Every year many accidents are reported due to the huge alcohol consumption during these days. In the past the government has tried to limit the sale of alcohol, which had some effect but not enough. With the increase of the duties on alcohol the government hopes to discourage the use of alcohol. The extra income will go the health department to help pay for the increasing costs related to the treatment of alcoholism.
A more controversial plan, not yet approved by the government, is the plan to impose an additional 20 baht on alcoholic drinks sold to foreigners at bars and clubs. The Governors of provinces dominated by income from tourism are pushing for this new tax, including here in Pattaya. The Pattaya Tourist Police along with Phuket and Koh Samui are seeing an increase in numbers of drunken foreigners.
It is estimated that foreigners in Pattaya account for almost 70% of the total alcohol consumption for the city. The extra funds are to go partly to increase the number of tourist police officers in Pattaya. According to an unnamed government source it is only deemed fair that the foreigners, most of whom don’t pay tax in Thailand, help pay for the increasing costs caused by their shameless behavior.
The sales of alcohol by shops will not be affected by the new proposed tax. The proposal is being heavily criticized by the Thai Brewers Association, who fears a decrease in sales and claim that their members are already under pressure because of the economic crisis and global warming.
It is also thought that ex-pats and tourists who either live or come to have fun in Pattaya will be angered at the proposals for this new tax. Pattaya One News will keep you updated on any developments relating to this story.
Källa: Pattaya One News
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