THURSDAY, March 28, 2024
nationthailand

Excise department hits back at ‘unfair’ criticism

Excise department hits back at ‘unfair’ criticism

Following the Northern Region Local Liquor Association's criticism of the Excise Department’s decision to shut down unlicensed local liquor producers following the deaths earlier this month of 3 Chon Buri residents allegedly caused by drinking herbal liquor containing extracts of Shatavari and toads, and in response to the accusation by the association’s representative Pranom Chermchaiyaphum that the measure was merely an excuse to destroy local wisdom and shut down local rice processing businesses, the Excise Department’s deputy spokesperson and tax specialist Ratchada Wanitchakorn clarified on Monday (October 28) that under the provisions of the Excise Tax Act B.E. 2560, producers of local liquor can apply for a permit at the Excise Department and must pass quality inspection before releasing their products. “It is the duty of Excise Department to check the quality and safety of the liquors produced before releasing them to the market,” she said. “If producers want to add herbs or any medicinal ingredients to their liquors, they have to first register the medicinal recipe with the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine under the Ministry of Public Health, and pass its quality and safety inspection as well.”
“This practice is applied to all types of foods and medicines before they can be sold in domestic market,” said Ratchada. “The Excise Department has no intention to discriminate against any local liquor producers and always makes the safety of consumers its top priority.”

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