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Story summary
- The Excise Department of Thailand, led by Ms. Rachada Wanichakorn, plans a phased sodium tax on high-sodium packaged foods to combat hypertension and kidney disease.
- The tax is a public health measure, not revenue.
- Thailand's average sodium intake is 3,650 mg, nearly twice the WHO recommendation.
- A study suggests the tax could reduce intake by 53–83 mg.
- Industry groups resist, citing impact on households and doubts about changing habits.
