Bangkok Post – Bangkok Post – Opinion channel – Postbag | Bangkok Post – Bangkok Post – Opinion channel

Unfair taxation

Subject: “State urged to expand tax regime,” (Business, August 20).

It is well known that the three main contributors to poor health are processed foods, alcohol and tobacco. All three are deeply addictive. Although they are destroying our health, they are not taxed fairly and the taxes collected are not used by the government in a way that reflects its duty to protect the health of its citizens.

A modest 2% surcharge on alcohol and tobacco excise taxes is allocated to the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), amounting to about 4 billion baht per year for alcohol and tobacco control and health promotion activities. The government collected a whopping 224 billion baht from tobacco taxes in 2020 alone, or 11.3% of its total budget.

Despite this callous disregard for human health, almost nothing is being done to counter the food industry’s attacks on humans and animals. A number of harmful chemicals are used by food processors, few of which are restricted and none are reliably tested. Labelling requirements are casually circumvented or even taken for granted.

And no one has any idea what they are eating if it comes from China. Meanwhile, the government is focused only on sugar and salt, talking to health advocates and industry representatives about minimal measures that, in reality, do nothing to help the 40% of urban children who suffer from a myriad of chronic diseases and the elderly who do not have adequate public health coverage.

Why are submarines and electric vehicles a government priority when reducing processed food, tobacco and alcohol consumption will prolong health, extend lifespan and save countless lives? Health education and prevention are essential.

ThaiHealth needs to provide regular educational information not only to the public but also require doctors to study the importance of diet and health in preventative medicine. To really make a difference, they need a much bigger budget than the government is currently giving them. After all, it is the people’s money.

Michel Setter

Exit this way

Subject: “Thaksin not in control, PM says” and “Former PM outlines national vision” (BP, August 24).

For his daughter’s sake, Thaksin Shinawatra should stop stealing the spotlight and let her prove to the nation that he can think for himself. Today, he is the center of attention, as evidenced by the large crowd at the Nation Group’s “Vision for Thailand” dinner.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn stumbled even at the beginning of her term, not even knowing who she could count on within the party.

Thaksin claims that Ms. Paetongtarn is capable of leading. So let her show her abilities without her authoritarian domination. If she cannot lead us decisively, it is better to find out as soon as possible, so as to minimize the damage to everyone, including Ms. Paetongtarn.

Thaksin, it’s your daughter’s job to prove herself, not you. Please leave the stage.

Kantabutra Chisel

Shocking example

Re: “It’s time for an ‘old man’,” (PostBag, August 24).

I am quite surprised by Songdej Praditsmanont’s comments about Thaksin Shinawatra: “He cared too much about his personal wealth and therefore had to go into exile for 15 years.”

I guess Songdej finds it perfectly acceptable to flee the country rather than face the justice system. Thaksin was not forced into exile, he fled the justice system.

I am amazed that someone could write so blatantly to advocate circumventing the law.

What a lesson to teach our youth!!!!!

Michel the lawyer

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