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“Tobacco Industry Watch” article highlights Tobacco Industry Strategies using pricing as other measures are regulated in Thailand | Mackenzie R, Lee K. PMI’s proxy trade dispute with Thailand. 12 Dec 2019. Full text at : https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/early/2019/12/12/tobaccocontrol-2019-055374

This article notes that, “In the case of the Philippines (PMI proxy) versus Thailand, the impact on tobacco control (of this dispute) is less explicit but no less important. Competition for market share between the state monopoly and TTCs in Thailand must navigate relatively strong restrictions contained in the Tobacco Products Control Act (2017) including new measures on marketing, promotion and packaging. Price thus becomes an important competitive advantage, gained through lower input costs, higher productivity and/or lower taxes. In this respect, TTCs have a clear edge as globalization of the industry since the 1990s has increased their dominance through larger economies of scale, vertical integration and global value chains. Regardless of how this dispute over valuation methods is resolved, the Thai government’s commitment to strong tobacco control will require the effective application of fiscal measures to both domestic and foreign tobacco companies.” (my emphasis added)

This article notes the importance of watching tobacco industry efforts on pricing, taxation and other fiscal areas where the industry continually interferes in Thai government policy-making.

by Dr.Stephen Hamann