OPINION

Unfair taxing

Re: "State urged to widen tax scheme", (Business, Aug 20).

It's well known that the three most significant contributors to poor human health are processed foods, alcohol, and tobacco. All three are profoundly addictive. Although they are destroying our health they are not taxed equally, and the taxes collected are not used by the government in a way reflecting a duty of care for citizen's health.

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

Despite this despicable disregard for people's health, almost nothing is being done to counter the processed food industry's assault upon humans and animals. A number of harmful chemicals are used by food processors, few of them are restricted and none are tested for on a reliable basis. Labelling requirements are casually bypassed if not taken for granted.

And no one has any idea what they are eating if it is imported from China. Meanwhile, the government only focusses on sugar and salt, arguing with health advocates and industry representatives over minimal measures that in effect do nothing to help the 40% of children in cities who have a myriad of chronic diseases and the elderly who have inadequate public health care.

Why are subs and EVs a government priority when reducing processed food, tobacco, and alcohol use will prolong health, extend lifespan, and save countless lives? Health education and prevention are key.

ThaiHealth must regularly provide 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 far larger budget than the government is currently giving them. After all, it is the people's money.

Re: "Thaksin not in control: PM," and "Ex-PM outlines national vision", (BP, Aug 24).

For his daughter's sake, Thaksin Shinawatra should stop stealing the limelight and let her prove to the nation that "I can think for myself." Now, he's hogging the news, as shown by the overflow crowd at the Nation Group's "Vision for Thailand" dinner.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn's stumbling even at the start of her tenure, not even knowing who she can rely on at the party.

Thaksin claims Ms Paetongtarn can lead; so, let her show her abilities without his heavy-handed dominance. If she cannot decisively guide us, it's best to find that out early, to minimise the harm for all -- including Ms Paetongtarn.

Thaksin, it's your daughter's turn to prove her mettle, not yours. Exit the stage, please.

Re: "Time for an 'old man'", (PostBag, Aug 24).

I am quite astonished at Songdej Praditsmanont when writing about Thaksin Shinawatra: "He cared for his personal wealth too much and, therefore, had to go into self-exile for 15 years."

I take it that Songdej finds it completely acceptable to flee the country rather than face the judicial system. Thaksin was not forced into exile, he fled the judicial system.

I am stunned that someone would so blatantly write advocating evading the law.

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

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