Thai Political Parties Promise to Ban E-cigarettes

Five political parties in Thailand have promised the public that if they are elected to the cabinet after the May elections this year, they will not support the legalization of e-cigarettes.

Recently, the five representatives announced their stance during a policy workshop on electronic cigarettes organized by the Thai Medical Association.

Paiboon Nititawan, the deputy leader of the ruling People Power Party (PPRP), has stated that if the party has members who enter the cabinet after the next election, they will continue to consider importing and selling e-cigarettes as illegal activities.

Udomsak Srisutiwa, Deputy Secretary-General of the Chartthaipattana Party in Thailand, has announced that the party will take strong legal action against the use of e-cigarettes. This move is aimed at preventing young people from getting addicted to e-cigarettes.

Dr. Tianchai Suwanpen, an advisor to the Democrat Party, has suggested increasing awareness about electronic cigarettes. As a physician, he expressed concern about the ongoing debate between healthcare professionals and e-cigarette manufacturers in Thailand.

Sriyada Phalimapan, the deputy secretary-general of the Pheu Thai Party, has stated that if their party members are chosen as cabinet members, they will work together with all relevant departments to prevent the sales and use of electronic cigarettes. She added that due to a lack of social cooperation, it is difficult to regulate e-cigarettes.

Phariyet Angkoolkitti, spokesperson for the Thai Liberal Party, has announced that his party will focus on addressing issues such as electronic cigarette suppliers offering bribes to law enforcement officials.

During the event, the Minister of Public Health, Anutin Charnvirakul, announced that the department will issue a notification on the ban of e-cigarettes before the dissolution of the cabinet next month. He expressed concern over the e-cigarette issue, particularly among young people aged 15 to 24. He rejected any proposals to legalize e-cigarettes and stated that no one in the cabinet would approve such proposals.

In addition, according to Panthong, the Deputy Director General of the General Administration of Customs, the electronic cigarettes and related equipment seized by the General Administration of Customs with a value exceeding 72 million Thai baht (approximately 14.36 million RMB) will be destroyed by the General Administration of Customs on February 24.

Reference:

Five political parties have made a commitment to not endorse or support vaping products.

Related Reading:

Thailand may legalize electronic cigarettes after this year's elections, but a consensus on banning their sale remains elusive.