Somchai Poolsavasdi said the new Excise Tax Act will take effect 180 days, or Sept 16, after the bill was publicised by the Royal Gazette on March 20, according to a report by Thai National News Bureau. The Act brings together seven regulations.

He said the new law would allow officials to collect duty on alcohol and tobacco more effectively, transparently and in accordance with international standards.

He assured it would not affect consumers. Enactment of the bill |will be followed by promulgation |of 80 related organic laws.