- Photo: The Nation/ANN
BANGKOK: The Thai Cabinet has ordered an urgent amendment to the country’s tobacco control legislation in a concerted effort to curb the spiralling use of e-cigarettes.
Deputy government spokeswoman Airin Phanrit confirmed on Tuesday (Oct 28) that the Cabinet approved recommendations submitted by Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to overhaul the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017).
The Thai Ministry of Public Health is now the lead agency tasked with drafting the changes.
The push for tougher regulation follows an alarming surge in user numbers.
Latest data from the National Statistical Office shows that the number of Thai citizens aged 15 and over who use e-cigarettes has ballooned from 78,252 in 2021 to more than 400,000 in 2024.
The proposed legislative amendments seek to introduce comprehensive measures covering e-cigarettes and all new tobacco products.
These controls will regulate production and import and sales, advertising, and use across both physical and online channels.
Crucially, the government will also launch a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of vaping using “accurate and comprehensive information”, specifically targeting children and young people, who are frequently the targets of marketing efforts.
The Cabinet has also moved to adopt the principles of Article 5.3 of the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control more rigorously and is fast-tracking a new Prime Minister’s Office Regulation to prevent policy interference from the tobacco industry and its affiliated groups.
Health risks and policy response
Airin highlighted that the rapid rise in vaping is leading to severe nicotine addiction among the youth, with significant health and social consequences.
The Ministry of Public Health warns that nicotine is particularly damaging to developing adolescent brains, affecting key functions related to concentration, learning and behaviour.
Furthermore, it increases the risk of depression and potentially suicide. The ministry cited reported cases of e-cigarette-linked pneumonia, primarily affecting young people, some severely enough to require life support. - The Nation/ANN
