A grace period of one year is expected for a potential sodium tax to allow manufacturers sufficient time to adjust product formulations. Pornchai Thiraveja, director-general of the department, said the proposal for a sodium tax is being considered by the agency. A sodium tax is meant to regulate salt levels in snack foods that are popular with Thais, but contain sodium levels above the prescribed standards. The Excise Department introduced a sugar tax on beverages in 2017, implementing it in phases to allow producers to gradually reduce sugar content. On April 1, 2025, the sugar tax entered its fourth phase.

Source: Bangkok Post March 02, 2026 00:17 UTC