Thailand Tobacco Monopoly’s request for a review of excise hikes that have triggered a forecast slip in the monopoly's sales is being considered by the finance ministry, the Bangkok Post reported.

The state-owned cigarette producer has requested a review of a new structure for excise taxes which came into effect in September and is estimated to cause the monopoly’s sales to plunge 41 per cent in fiscal year 2018. Deputy Finance Minister Wisudhi Srisuphan said the finance ministry is considering the request, the newspaper reported.
The drop in sales would lead to a loss of THB 1.6 billion (EUR 41 million) in the fiscal year which ends October 2018, the newspaper said.
New rates for excise tax on cigarettes equate to 20 per cent for packs priced at no more than THB 60 (EUR 1.55) and 40 per cent for packs priced at no more than THB 60.
Following the increases, importers have reportedly taken advantage of the new rates by slashing retail prices of certain imported packs to THB 60 at the expense of the monopoly’s brands, the newspaper said.