A sodium tax would be collected via a progressive rate, starting with processed food products such as instant noodles, snacks and frozen food. (Photo: Patipat Janthong)The Excise Department is planning a study of sodium tax collection measures after the success of the "sweet tax" on sugar-sweetened beverages implemented in 2017 to shift consumer and industry behaviour towards making healthier choices, says director-general Ekniti Nitithanprapas. A sodium tax would be levied similarly to the tax on sugary beverages, increasing proportionally based on the level of sodium used, he said. The department plans to collaborate with the Public Health Ministry to jointly set the standards for daily sodium intake. Mr Ekniti said sweeteners are still excluded from the excise tax product categories, meaning the department is unable to collect tax from them.
