Reassessing E-cigarette and New Tobacco Legislation in Thailand
According to Baophapluat, on September 27, 2023, the Thai House of Representatives passed a proposal to establish a special committee to reassess the legal framework and regulatory measures for e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products. So far, the committee has held six meetings to discuss various issues related to this product line, including the usage among young people.
During a meeting, it was acknowledged by a special committee in Thailand that illegal trade of new tobacco products continues to thrive, even though it has been banned since 2014. Additionally, the number of e-cigarette users is on the rise. This presents numerous challenges for the Thai government, ranging from taxation, fighting corruption and cracking down on the black market, to addressing product safety and limiting youth exposure.
Move Forward Party member Jirat Thongsuwan has raised an inquiry into the legality of new tobacco products compared to conventional cigarettes. Thongsuwan questions why traditional rolled tobacco is permitted while the use of novel tobacco products remains prohibited.
What's even more significant is that the ban on the new type of cigarettes has resulted in legal loopholes, exacerbating corruption in smuggling, bribery, and Thai officials' misconduct. Moreover, not all tourists are aware that the new tobacco is prohibited in Thailand, as this product is still openly available for sale and extensively displayed.
Previously, Mr. Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, Thailand's Minister of Digital Economy and Society, made a statement emphasizing that a complete ban on novel tobacco products is not the most optimal solution for the country given the current social climate. Chaiwut stated that legalizing such products would generate revenue for the government and allow for the implementation of standards within the tobacco industry.
Based on the aforementioned actions, some viewpoints predict that Thailand could be the next country to consider legalizing new tobacco products, in line with the country's national policies to serve its tobacco harm reduction strategy.
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