According to MCOT News on July 17th, the Thai Minister of Public Health, Somchai Tepsutin, has approved the appointment of former Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Chanchao Chaiyanukij, to lead efforts to strengthen measures against e-cigarette use in collaboration with relevant agencies.
It is strictly prohibited to bring and use e-cigarettes in government premises and airports. Efforts are being made to swiftly coordinate with cyber police to close 309 online sales accounts and continue related publicity campaigns.
On July 17, Public Health Minister Sussanak announced after a meeting at the Ministry of Health that a working group will be established to combat e-cigarettes. The group will be chaired by former Deputy Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Chanchao Chaiyanukij, and will collaborate with experts and representatives from the Consumer Protection Office to develop and implement policies to combat the use of e-cigarettes.
E-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand, and it is prohibited to buy, import, possess, or provide services related to them. Offenders will face sanctions under at least four laws, including the Customs Act and the Import and Export Act from 2017, with penalties of up to 10 years in prison.
Although e-cigarettes are clearly illegal, there is a lack of public awareness and enforcement of existing laws. The conference decided to enhance cooperation with relevant departments to strictly ban smoking in government facilities, transportation hubs, schools, and other places, and coordinate with cyber police to crack down on online sales.
He also mentioned that he agrees that law enforcement agencies are prepared to create a memorandum of cooperation or establish a joint working group to promote law enforcement. In addition, he also agrees to request cooperation from the Internet Police Headquarters to crack down on e-cigarette advertising and online sales. The merchant monitoring system has already detected 309 online sales accounts located in 23 provinces and cities across the country, which will be shut down.
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