Thailand Urges Total Ban on Importing E-cigarettes to Protect Health

According to a report by Siamrath on August 1st, Thai Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin emphasized the importance of banning the import of e-cigarettes during his speech at the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Tobacco and Health Conference.

Sungsa said:

The dangers of e-cigarettes on health cannot be ignored, including the risks of cancer and respiratory diseases. These health issues not only affect the users themselves but also impact those around them. Of particular concern is the fact that the highest percentage of young people are using e-cigarettes, and this trend is rising, posing a serious threat to Thailand's current low birth rate and aging society.

The spokesperson further pointed out that the government has taken measures to combat the illegal import and sale of e-cigarettes, while also raising public awareness of the dangers of e-cigarettes through public education campaigns. Currently, regulations regarding the import of e-cigarettes are being submitted to parliament for discussion. They stressed that allowing the import of e-cigarettes would be a grave mistake. The spokesperson urged the public to recognize the dangers of e-cigarettes and to support the efforts of the Ministry of Health and relevant agencies in completely banning the import of e-cigarettes.

When asked about the possibility of amending the law to allow the importation of e-cigarettes, Songsa strongly expressed opposition and called for all parties to cooperate in promoting and lobbying against any attempt to amend the law. Similarly, the opposition Pheu Thai Party also clearly stated its opposition to the importation of e-cigarettes.

Currently, many laws in Thailand already regulate the use of e-cigarettes. Songsa emphasized the need for various departments to enhance cooperation to ensure that regulations are fully implemented. Prakit Wateesatokit, chairman of the National Tobacco Control Foundation, also believes that the current regulations are sufficient to combat illegal sales, especially online sales, but enforcement efforts still need to be strengthened.

Professor Baggett pointed out that although existing laws prohibit the possession and sale of e-cigarettes, weak enforcement has allowed e-cigarette use to remain prevalent among young people. As over 70% of e-cigarettes are sold through online channels, he is urging the Minister of Digital Economy and Society (DES) to take stricter measures to shut down illegal websites.

In addition, Professor Badgett also pointed out that some private enterprises are trying to achieve the free sale of e-cigarettes through lobbying the parliament. He emphasized that health authorities have already protested against this, but because Thailand has not yet enacted specific implementing regulations, the parliament finds it difficult to prohibit individuals related to the tobacco industry from participating in the legislative process. He called for the swift enactment of relevant regulations to prevent such conflicts of interest.