All of these tax initiatives ring of desperation to me. The sugar tax was successful, so now they're going to introduce a salt tax. What next, an air tax?
hailand to introduce “Salt Tax” with tiered rates, driving health food market boom
Excise Department pushes forward with “salt tax” using tiered model, boosting the health food market
Following the implementation of the "sugar tax," which took full effect on April 1, 2025, Thailand’s Excise Department is moving ahead with plans to introduce a “salt tax.”
Officials reveal that the new tax will adopt a tiered-rate structure similar to the sugar tax. Industry observers are closely watching how this policy will impact the beverage, snack, and food sectors, where companies are already accelerating development of “low sugar” and “low sodium” products to stay competitive. Experts point out that these tax measures are set to fundamentally reshape the market landscape.
The introduction of tax rates based on sugar and sodium content is causing a major ripple in the consumer goods market—particularly affecting drinks, snacks, and instant noodles. Major producers are increasingly investing in low-sugar and low-sodium formulations to reduce future tax burdens.
The sugar tax has already been fully enforced since April 1, 2025, while the salt tax is expected to be implemented soon. These policies are propelling the healthy food sector into a rapid growth trajectory, turning it into a “Blue Ocean” opportunity.
Tiered salt tax expected soon
Kulaya Tantitemit, Director-General of the Excise Department, told Thansettakij that the department is studying the implementation of a salt tax aimed at improving public health. The tax is expected to use a tiered rate structure, just like the sugar tax. Consultations are underway with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Public Health, food and beverage manufacturers, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Federation of Thai Industries, and networks advocating for reduced salt consumption, to ensure that the policy aligns with current market conditions.
“According to WHO guidelines, the daily sodium intake should not exceed 2,000 mg per person. However, Thais consume more than twice that amount—around 3,600 mg per day. To prevent health issues, we plan to use tax policy as a tool to influence both production practices and consumer behavior,” Kulaya explained. “We will aim to minimize the impact on manufacturers’ costs.”
According to current data, the top three high-sodium foods in Thailand are: Instant noodles, snacks, and frozen foods. The Excise Department will identify target products and set sodium content criteria to determine the tax structure. Essential foods for daily living will also be considered for special guidelines.
“The salt tax will primarily focus on sodium content. We will determine appropriate measurement standards, define sodium thresholds, and establish corresponding tax rates. This tax will be tiered—just like the sugar tax.”
https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40050052
