The age old, dubious narrative to impose high sin taxes to reduce harm from tobacco and/or alcohol containing products!
Why do these products have to be more expensive and punish responsible users as well?
Why not e.g. higher health insurance premiums on heavy users? Or punish alcohol consumers heavier when they commit a crime or accident?
Do not heavy users statistically life shorter lives and thus receive usually less e.g. retirement income?
"Vietnam’s tobacco products remain cheap and widely accessible compared to other countries, leading to high tobacco usage and a growing health toll, say the nation’s health officials.
Low tax, high usage: Vietnam’s tobacco retail tax rate is just 36%, far below WHO’s recommended rate of 70–75%.
It is also far lower than regional peers including the Philippines (71.3%), Singapore (67.5%), and Thailand (78.6%).
The affordability means cigarettes are easily accessible to first-time users and even children.
Health burden: Tobacco use remains one of the leading causes of disease and premature death in Vietnam, causing ~104,300 deaths annually.
Reform needed: Vietnam health leaders are urging regular tax hikes to outpace income growth and align with international standards."
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