Last February 9-10, 2012, Officials from the Tax Department, Ministry of Finance Lao PDR led by Mr. Khamphay Vongsakhamphoui, Deputy Director General of Tax Department participated in a Tobacco Tax System study visit to Thailand.  This was facilitated by SEATCA. During the study visit, the delegates learned and shared knowledge with the Fiscal Policy Office, Excise Department and Customs Department, Ministry of Finance of Thailand.  This activity hopes to be able to strengthen tobacco tax systems in Lao PDR.  The visit also is intended to facilitate application of knowledge as well as to support to implementation of the WHO-FCTC.

SEATCA, in addition, provided a consultation session with experts namely, Prof. Prakit Vathesatogkit, Secretary-General, ASH Thailand, Dr. Chonlathan Visaruthvong, the Excise Department, Ministry of Finance and Ms. Bungon Ritthiphakdee, Director of SEATCA.  This provided additional opportunities for the Lao PDR Tax Department Officials to discuss and plan for future directions of tobacco tax system in Lao PDR.