The Senior Citizens Association submitted a letter to the Prime Minister opposing the draft amendments to four sin tax laws, fearing potential interference. They stressed that while the original principles were sound, any budget encroachment should be investigated and brought back in line with good governance.
At 14:00 on 26 Oct 2026 at the Government Complaint Center, Dr. Wichai Chokwiwat, president of the Senior Citizens Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Srinagarindra, along with association members, delivered a letter to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who is also Minister of Interior, opposing the draft amendments to four sin tax laws aimed at canceling direct fund allocations from excise taxes on alcohol and tobacco.
Dr. Wichai said the association came to request the Prime Minister to reconsider and abandon the proposed amendments to the four sin tax laws because these laws have sound principles and have yielded significant benefits in various missions, including the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (สสส.), Thai PBS, the Elderly Fund, and the Sports Fund. Although the Sports Fund receives less attention, its establishment has raised Thailand’s standing internationally. Recently, there have been observations that some funds may have been encroached upon, possibly aligned with their objectives, so this matter is under review to ensure continued alignment with their purposes.
These laws have strengthened civil society and encouraged broad public participation, serving as mechanisms that support sustainable democracy. Following extensive public opposition to the proposed amendments, the Senior Citizens Association believes the government should foster unity among citizens. The country currently faces numerous domestic and global challenges, including trade issues, geopolitics, and natural disasters. Unity is essential to overcome these problems together.
When asked about scrutiny over the budgets of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation and Thai PBS, Dr. Wichai said that all organizations worldwide should manage budgets according to good governance principles, ensuring effectiveness, efficiency, transparency, and accountability. Budgets must be used correctly without burdening citizens, following international standards. Therefore, any organization must comply with good governance; any misconduct should be corrected. There should be no allowance for interference that compromises the law’s objectives, which would be improper.