Key Points:
- The government approved the creation of an inter-agency committee involving the Ministries of Justice, Public Health, Commerce, and Education.
- The committee will coordinate national e-cigarette enforcement and report to the Cabinet.
- Legal amendments will be proposed if current laws cannot adequately punish production, smuggling, importation, or sale.
- Thailand has about 1.9 million drug users, including 1.4 million non-dependent users.
- ThaiHealth is expanding community-based CBTx models to address substance use.
2Firsts, November 20, 2025 — According to Matichon, Thai Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Sarum chaired the Thai Health Promotion Foundation meeting on November 19 and stated that the government is prioritizing the fight against drug abuse, which threatens national security and requires coordinated action across multiple sectors. Sixteen agencies have signed an MOU to enhance prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and follow-up, aiming for measurable reductions in drug users within one year. ThaiHealth is working with civil society to expand CBTx community-based models and will form a special committee to review all drug-related laws.
Sophon Sarum said the rapid spread of e-cigarettes among Thai youth requires urgent action. Current enforcement involves multiple laws and ministries, creating gaps. He approved advancing a Prime Minister’s Office regulation to establish an inter-agency committee on e-cigarette enforcement, involving the Ministries of Justice, Public Health, Commerce, and Education. The committee will set policies, coordinate enforcement, strengthen investigations, monitor violations, and report directly to the Cabinet. If current laws cannot adequately penalize manufacturers, smugglers, importers, or sellers, amendments will be proposed.
ThaiHealth Manager Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon said 2024 Ministry of Public Health data show Thailand has approximately 1.9 million drug users, including 1.4 million non-dependent users. He said ThaiHealth is supporting community prevention networks, improving treatment access, and developing national data systems. ThaiHealth reaffirmed its support for government efforts on e-cigarette and drug control, emphasizing community participation and public education.
Image Source: Matichon
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