Thursday, April 24, 2008

High-rollers told to prepare for taxes on luxury goods [-This will barely affects Hun Sen's rich cronies and family members]

Hun Sen said he will continue to smoke even if higher tobacco taxes are imposed on the 555s cigarettes he favors.

Thursday, 24 April 2008
By Craig Guthrie
The Mekong Times


Taxes on basic foodstuffs may be lowered at the expense of luxury goods such as high-end cars, cigarettes, alcohol and cosmetics, Hun Sen warned yesterday. He said it was an option the government is considering to tackle the current food inflation crisis.

“Taxes on basic foodstuffs like rice will be dropped, but it will be raised on cars, make-up and drinks like Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, and [wine like] Randonal,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen, adding that, as for Randonal, he just knew the name and not the taste.

But Hun Sen said he will continue to smoke even if higher tobacco taxes are imposed, he said, eagerly brandishing a pack of 555s. Despite widespread criticism and international conventions the premier said he refuses to give up the habit.

Also in the firing line will be expensive cars. “Some government officials like to buy Landcruisers, Lexus and Mercedes. If purchases are taxed at just 1 percent, revenues would increase,” he said, adding that he thought the rich can afford it.

Taxing the rich this way will level the playing field and is a “win-win” solution, said the premier. “This way both the rich and the poor can survive.”

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

In favor of high taxe and levy on luxery items.

Good move!

Anonymous said...

I wish he could do as what he said. Cheer...

Anonymous said...

I don't think this measure will work as long the mechanism of tax collection is not changed. Generally, most government officials haven't paid tax when they import new cars. Some minister's wifes import wines to Cambodia without paying tax.

Anonymous said...

Yes.. continue to smoke and you will surely die from emphysema in the near future. Way to go prime minister!!!

Anonymous said...

My beloved Khmers!

I am surprisingly admiring Samdech Dey Dek Cho Hun SenVarman's Ph.Ds,
he is now academically knew how to speak the standard foreigner's languages effectively and constructively, like Hennessy, Johnnies Walker, Randonal!

Anonymous said...

It doesn't matter how much the cigarette cost; it will never make Hun Xen go poor. One thing that makes him look bad is his habit of smoking, just like a puffing locomotive, in a press conference or a traditional ceremony.

Anonymous said...

I am all for tax increases for luxury goods. But firt we need to know what luxury goods are taxed at what rates in addition to the method of tax collections. We don't want to just pay and government officials are pocketing them.

Anonymous said...

I am all for tax increases for luxury goods. But firt we need to know what luxury goods are taxed at what rates in addition to the method of tax collections. We don't want to just pay and government officials are pocketing them.

Anonymous said...

i'm so sick of personal attacks. how about something more constructive, please. remember, not everyone is interested with your boring stories on personal affairs or personal attack. thank you.

Anonymous said...

It's a man own's personality and respect that earns a man respect and honour. Honour and respect given is not as admirable as respect and honour hardly earned!

Anonymous said...

oh and if a man is good why a man worries about personal attacks? Is your Hun Xen good or evil?

Anonymous said...

Son of a Farmer,
LMAO!!

The idiot quote:
“Taxes on basic foodstuffs like rice will be dropped, but it will be raised on cars, make-up and drinks like Hennessy, Johnnie Walker, and [wine like] Randonal,” said Prime Minister Hun Sen, adding that, as for Randonal, he just knew the name and not the taste.

if he doesn't drink..... why admit about not knowing what it taste like. His guilty conscience!
Keep puffing Ah Kwack! There's a cyanide in your cancer stick.