BANGKOK, Dec 25 (TNA) – Thailand plans to introduce a tax on salty snacks in 2025 as part of a broader effort to reduce sodium consumption and improve public health, a senior excise official said.
Kulaya Tantitemit, director-general of the Excise Department, told reporters the tax would initially target snack foods, considered non-essential items. The tax structure is likely to be tiered, similar to the existing sugar tax on beverages, with higher taxes levied on products with higher salt content.
“We will consider the amount of salt in the product. If there is a lot of salt, they will have to pay a lot of tax, but if there is a small amount of salt, the tax will be reduced,” Kulaya said.
The department is still studying the details of the tax and will ensure a sufficient grace period for manufacturers to adjust their recipes.
Kulaya noted that the sugar tax, implemented several years ago, has been effective in reducing sugar intake among Thais. Data indicates that Thais consume twice the recommended daily amount of sodium, prompting the government to explore tax mechanisms to encourage healthier dietary habits.
A survey by the Salt Reduction Network found that Thais consumed an average of 3,636 mg of sodium per day in 2023, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommendation of no more than 2,000 mg per day (equivalent to one teaspoon of salt).
Excessive sodium intake is linked to increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney disease. Health officials have observed a worrying trend of younger Thais, aged 35-40, developing kidney failure, compared to the previous average age of 50-60. This shift is attributed to changing dietary habits in Thailand. -819 (TNA)
