THAILAND
The Thailand Health Promotion Institute (THPI) is the latest voice joining anti-tobacco advocates in opposing the recommendation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs that the Thai government withdraw the THB60 billion (US$2 billion) lawsuit against Philip Morris International (PMI), for alleged tax evasion.
Dr. Hathai Chitanont, THPI president, said that the government should allow the lawsuit to proceed in the national and public health interest since the government has adequate evidence to substantiate the tax evasion charges against PMI.
PMI is accused of under-declaring the price of cigarettes imported into the country by THB7 per pack while the retail price was set at THB145, allegedly causing the state to lose an estimated THB60 billion in import tax revenue over several years.