Thailand Considers Legalizing and Regulating E-cigarettes

Thailand is considering legalizing and regulating electronic cigarettes, according to Saligupta, the head of Thailand's Anti-Smoking Foundation (ECST). He expressed confidence that the Thai parliament will pass a bill legalizing e-cigarettes after the May elections.

Saligupta has stated that the majority of government officials and the general public support the lifting of the ban on e-cigarettes. Currently, groups like ECST are working with government officials to legalize and regulate e-cigarettes. Although the Thai government has been warning tourists that e-cigarettes are illegal in the country, this situation will not continue indefinitely.

According to reports, Thai parliament member Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn has stated that they are exploring ways to legalize electronic cigarettes and believe that they can serve as a safe alternative for those unable to quit smoking. He also said that if the tobacco industry transitions to a more sustainable sector, local tobacco growers and the Thai Tobacco Authority will benefit greatly. He recently announced plans to form a task force to analyze the possibility of legalizing electronic cigarettes to help smokers seek alternative solutions to quit smoking.

Currently, the electronic cigarette regulation bill in Thailand has been drafted and is awaiting discussion and approval in parliament.

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The THR Group predicts that Thailand will eventually establish regulations pertaining to vaping.