The cupboard has authorized tax cuts on alcoholic drinks, with wine costs set to fall considerably, with the intention to enhance tourism.

The steep import tariffs on wines, at the moment assessed at 54% and 60% of declared worth, can be exempted indefinitely, officers stated.

The excise tax on wine can even be decreased from 10% to five% and on native liquor from 10% to zero to assist small-scale producers, authorities spokesperson Chai Wacharonke stated.

As properly, the excise tax on leisure venues could be halved to five% of gross income.

The tax measures are anticipated to take impact shortly, stated Mr Chai.

Within the 2023 fiscal 12 months that ended on Sept 30 final 12 months, the Excise Division collected 177.6 billion baht in alcohol, beer and beverage taxes. The determine included 64.17 billion baht from alcoholic drinks, 86.5 billion from beer and 26.95 billion baht from different drinks.

The present excise tax construction is split into two tiers. If a bottle of wine is priced above 1,000 baht, the excise tax is 10%, whereas a zero charge applies to wine priced under 1,000 baht.

Nonetheless, excise tax can be utilized to the quantity and diploma of alcohol.  All wines, no matter worth, are assessed a tax at a charge of 1,500 baht per litre for 100 levels of alcohol content material. That charge has been lower to 1,000 baht.

Native liquor additionally faces a separate excise tax based mostly on quantity, at 150 baht per litre for 100 levels of alcohol content material. That charge stays unchanged.