Somchai Poolsavasdi, director-general of the Excise Department, said the newly drafted Excise Tax Act will come into effect 180 days, or September 16, after the bill was publicised by the Royal Gazette on March 20, according to a report on Thai National News Bureau.

The Act brings together seven excise duty regulations.

He said the new law will allow officials to collect duty on alcohol and tobacco more effectively, transparently and in accordance with international standards. He assured that consumers will not be affected by the new law.

The enactment will be followed by the promulgation of 80 related organic laws.