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Published on January 17, 2008

However, Philip Morris (Thailand), the country's biggest cigarette importer, is undecided on whether to increase its prices.

The excise duty has been raised to help finance the operations of Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS).

TTM's spokesperson, Praphatsorn Phongphanphisal said yesterday that although the higher duty would increase the cost of cigarettes, the state agency had agreed to shoulder the extra costs.

She said cigarette prices had been increased last year, which had had some impact on the agency's finances. Price increases during an economic slowdown should therefore be avoided.

"TTM was established to generate revenue for the government, therefore, if the government raises taxes to finance TPBS, we are ready to support the plan," she said.

At present, 88 per cent of TTM's net profit goes to the government, she said, adding that the higher excise means an additional cost of only Bt0.30 per pack on average or a total of Bt420 million for the entire year.

The Nation