Thailand to Consider Special Law Restricting E-Cigarette Use: Reports

Aug.06.2024

Thai Public Health Deputy Minister pushes for new law to restrict e-cigarette use and sales in response to ineffective regulations.

According to a report in the Bangkok Post, the Deputy Minister of Public Health in Thailand recently called for the creation of specific laws to restrict the use and sale of e-cigarettes, noting that current regulations are ineffective.

In a discussion at the National Health Committee office in Thailand, Deputy Minister of Public Health Thanakrit Jitareerat emphasized that there are currently no specific laws regarding e-cigarettes. Despite the establishment of a dedicated team within the Public Health Ministry to study this issue, he pointed out that each agency independently enforces measures based on different laws.

He said:

The measures we have implemented so far have been ineffective, therefore it is necessary to draft specific laws addressing this issue as soon as possible, considering e-cigarettes as a serious threat to society.

He also criticized government officials who continue to use e-cigarettes despite the ban, believing that this is hindering progress in the fight against vaping.

The Chairman of the National Health Commission Office, Banjerd Singkaneti, stated that the Prime Minister should prioritize refining existing laws to provide clearer guidance for authorities.

In the long term, the law should clearly prohibit the possession of e-cigarettes to prevent law enforcement from having any excuses not to enforce legal responsibilities.

Benjie said. He also suggested that if e-cigarette sales are found in a certain area, the relevant government officials should be held accountable.

According to a report from the Office of the Consumer Protection Commission in Thailand, the number of seized e-cigarettes has significantly increased from 27,000 in 2020 to 100,000 in 2023.

References:

[1] Thailand calls for strict e-cigarette law amid rising seizures

Also Read:

[1] Illegal E-cigarette Seizure Leads to Arrest in Thailand

[2] Major Cigarette and E-cigarette Bust in Phuket, Thailand

[3] Police Raid Uncovers Massive Illegal E-Cigarette Stash in Thailand

[4] Thailand Customs Seized 1 Million E-cigarettes in 9 Months

#Legislation #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #Thailand

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