Activists oppose booze deal
Bangkok Post | 16/12/2010
Activists oppose booze deal
The government has agreed to include alcoholic drinks in the framework of a free trade agreement being negotiated with the European Union.
A subcommittee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Trairong Suwannakhiri yesterday approved the draft which would do away altogether with the 60% import tax on alcoholic drinks.
The move has received the full backing of hotel, entertainment and restaurant businesses. But Khamron Chudecha, coordinator of the Alcohol Watch Network, yesterday led a protest in front of Government House to oppose the initiative.
Mr Khamron submitted a letter to Tharadol Piempongsan, deputy secretary to Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, to explain its opposition.
The network expects a flood of alcoholic drinks into Thailand.
"The annual import value of alcoholic drinks from the EU has reached 6 billion baht," Mr Khamron said.
Mr Khamron said the government should organise a public hearing to discuss about 8,000 items before they are included in the draft.
Mr Trairong said the government would have to compensate industries, investors and ordinary people adversely affected by the agreement with the EU.
