Civil society networks urge Bhumjaithai Party to withdraw tax reform bills

Ten civil society networks and citizen representatives have submitted a formal petition to the Prime Minister and the Bhumjaithai Party, demanding the withdrawal of four proposed legislative amendments. The bills aim to abolish the earmarked tax system—which currently funds several key organizations through alcohol and tobacco taxes—and instead transition these funds to the government's annual budget.

Activists argue that this shift threatens nearly 140 billion baht in funding for critical sectors, including the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), the Thai PBS fund, the Elderly Fund, and the Sports Authority of Thailand. Critics warn that centralizing these budgets could reduce transparency, undermine food security, and potentially benefit large corporate interests.

Representatives highlighted the long-term impact on public health, nutrition, and social welfare. For instance, the networks noted that the current funding model has supported food security initiatives, such as preserving rice varieties and providing organic food to schools, for two decades. Nikorn Jamnong, a Bhumjaithai Party MP, received the petition and stated that the party would discuss the demands, noting that each of the four bills must be considered individually due to their differing origins and specific issues.