Despite strong opposition from local health activists and anti-smoking campaigners, Thai MP Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn announced last December that he is exploring ways to legalize the sale of e-cigarettes. According to The Bangkok Post, he believes that e-cigarettes could provide a safer alternative for those trying to quit smoking. Additionally, he argues that if the tobacco industry shifts towards more sustainable practices, local tobacco growers and the Thai Tobacco Monopoly will benefit greatly.
In January, the minister reiterated his stance on the legalization of electronic cigarettes during his department's election campaign. He emphasized that legalization would benefit the country through tax revenue and provide a safer option for those trying to quit smoking. However, in recent days, he announced the formation of a working group to analyze whether e-cigarettes could be legalized as an alternative solution to help smokers quit.
Asa Salikupt, from the End Cigarette Smoke Thailand (ECST) network, has praised Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn's plan to legalize electronic cigarettes and urged the working group to be transparent, open to public input, and willing to hear feedback from current e-cigarette users. He stated that "we believe that legalizing e-cigarettes will help Thailand achieve its goals of reducing smoking rates and protecting non-smokers from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
Thailand's negative ranking.
Until recently, Thailand has maintained a strict stance against electronic cigarettes. According to a survey conducted at the annual Global Forum on Nicotine (GFN) held in Warsaw in 2019, Thailand was ranked as the worst country in the world for e-cigarette use, with Australia coming in second.
In Thailand, the import, export, sale, and possession of e-cigarette products have been prohibited since November 2014. Anyone found to be violating this law may have their products confiscated, face fines, or serve up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
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