Market & legal data in the tobacco alternatives sector in Thailand

10th December 2024: Thailand: A parliamentary committee is finalising its report on measures to regulate e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in an effort to protect youth, following discussions that started in September 2023, press reports. The committee, comprising 35 members from government agencies, academics, medical representatives and stakeholders, has reviewed three policy options: maintaining the ban on e-cigarettes and HTPs with increased enforcement, banning e-cigarettes while regulating HTPs, or regulating both products. The final report will incorporate diverse perspectives, including those of e-cigarette users, to ensure balanced and comprehensive recommendations. The release date of the report is unclear, and e-cigarettes and HTPs remain banned in the country.
20th November 2024: Thailand: On 15th November, the Tobacco Authority of Thailand hosted an event welcoming Paopoom Rojanasakul, deputy minister of finance, who – along with other government bodies – led a press conference to launch the QR Cigarette System. This system utilises QR codes to track and trace cigarette data from production to consumers, aiming to combat smuggled cigarettes and safeguard public health. It is not expected to impact other tobacco products, such as oral tobacco. Heated tobacco products (HTPs) remain banned in the country.
11th November 2024: Thailand: In a meeting today, the National Tobacco Products Control Committee agreed to propose that the government promote the “1 province, 1 hospital: helping Thais quit smoking and e-cigarettes comprehensively” policy, which aims to reduce smoking rates, particularly among youth and Gen Z. Health minister Somsak Thepsuthin also emphasised the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other agencies in order to raise awareness and promote prevention. The meeting also awarded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Smoke-free Award to Saensuk Municipality for its efforts in creating a smoke-free public space.
30th October 2024: Thailand: During a recent meeting with the National Health Commission, deputy prime minister Prasert Jantarawongthong and minister of public health Somsak Thepsuthin both highlighted the rise in smoking and vaping among children and youth in Thailand. They urged the Health Promotion Foundation to collaborate with the National Health Commission and relevant agencies to address this issue by raising awareness among young people about the dangers of smoking and e-cigarettes, press reports.
20th August 2024: Thailand: The Department of Disease Control has announced that, starting tomorrow (21st August), all tobacco retailers nationwide must display the “Quit Smoking for Your Loved Ones” campaign materials promoting the reduction and cessation of smoking at their points-of-sale. These materials, required to be at least 7 cm x 21 cm, must be clearly visible at all times to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco, particularly for children and youth. Retailers can obtain the campaign materials either from Excise Department offices or by downloading them from the Tobacco Product Control Board’s website. Failure to comply with the new regulation could result in a fine of up to THB5,000 ($145) , as outlined in the Tobacco Product Control Act.
16th August 2024: Thailand: Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister. She succeeds Srettha Thavisin after his removal by a constitutional court ruling, press reports. While it’s too early to determine the exact stance of Paetongtarn’s administration, her Pheu Thai Party is expected to focus on tightening regulations around substances like tobacco – including related products such as e-cigarettes – due to public health concerns.
31st August 2023: Thailand: Chonnan Srikaew has been announced as Thailand's new minister of Public Health. Yesterday (30th August), he resigned as leader of the country's main political party, the Pheu Thai. According to our policy radar, the Pheu Thai Party has taken a negative stance on novel products and made a public commitment to support the continuation of the vaping products ban. However, yesterday a prominent member stated that the party supported legalisation – although Chonnan's views on the matter are not public. After election-winner the Move Forward Party was not approved by the military, the Pheu Thai Party allied with the military junta parties and assumed leadership of the government. On 22nd August 2023, the Pheu Tai's candidate, Srettha Thavisin, was elected as the country's 30th prime minister.
1st February 2023: Thailand: On 31st January a Thai appeals court ordered a reduction of the fine of $4m imposed on Philip Morris International (PMI) for allegedly under-declaring import prices for cigarettes from Indonesia in 2002 and 2003, press reports. The court has ordered Thai customs to calculate the new fine.
16th February 2022: Thailand: The government has approved a draft National Tobacco Control Plan for 2022-2027. Despite recent advocacy efforts towards legalising e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products, no such move is foreseen in the the plan. In January the Digital Economy and Society Ministry reportedly established a working group tasked with exploring possible legalisation of e-cigarettes.

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