The Excise Department has recently announced that it has no plans to increase taxes on alcoholic beverages and energy drinks. After rumors about increasing taxes on those products got out sparking outrage across the internet.
dditionally, Nutthakorn Utensute The Excise Department advisory also dismissed reports that energy drink manufacturers will raise prices by 20-30 baht per dozen. And stay firm on his statement saying “if those companies want to increase the price of their products they have to report to the government first and not doing that will face consequences”.
According to the spokesperson of Osotspa Public Company Limited, a local energy drink giant, will maintain the price of its products at 10 baht per bottle. However, the firm is expected to launch a new product line that costs slightly more at 12 baht per bottle.
Nuttakorn noted that other major manufacturers have also dispelled price hike rumors.
He nevertheless urged retailers to refrain from raising prices, while encouraging members of the public to call the department’s hotline 1713 to report any unfair price hikes.
Nutthakorn added that the department will dispatch officials to conduct random inspections of alcoholic and energy prices from March 14-17. He stressed that vendors need to formally petition authorities about any price changes.
He also said that if retail prices are 5% higher than those recommended by manufacturers, the department will summon manufacturers to reevaluate tax values.