Thailand National Health Commission Advances Vape Regulation Aligned with Anti-Drug Agenda

Key Points

• Policy Shift: Vaping officially incorporated into Thailand’s national anti-drug framework.
• Five Measures: Focus on public education, enforcement, and prevention aligned with WHO FCTC.
• Deputy PM Statement: Sophon Saram called e-cigarettes a “destructive addictive substance” harming youth.
• Nationwide Screening: Local officials to classify individuals by risk level for future policy planning.
• Next Steps: Findings to inform Thailand’s FY2027 health budget and be reviewed by the Cabinet.

2Firsts,On November 5, 2025——Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Saram, Chair of the National Health Commission (NHC), presided over the commission’s fourth meeting of 2025, which focused on the country’s ongoing efforts to protect children and youth from e-cigarette use. The initiative supports the government’s “Quick Big Win” campaign against narcotics.

The National Health Assembly’s special resolution, endorsed by the Cabinet on May 20, 2025, outlines five key measures: knowledge development, public awareness, law enforcement, capacity building among community networks, and adherence to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Saram described e-cigarettes as a “destructive addictive substance undermining Thai society,” especially among youth. The government has launched a pilot program in Buriram Province, to be expanded to 20 northeastern provinces.

The meeting also discussed a nationwide screening initiative using local administrative networks to identify individuals involved in drug or vape use. Participants will be categorized into four color-coded risk levels—green, yellow, orange, and red—to guide FY2027 budgeting and resource allocation. The plan will be submitted to the Cabinet on November 11.

NHC Secretary-General Dr. Suthep Petchmark stated that the commission will work with provincial health assemblies and local health charters to promote community participation in anti-drug and vape control efforts.

The upcoming 18th National Health Assembly, scheduled for November 27–28, 2025 at the IMPACT Forum in Bangkok, will focus on five major themes, including the aging economy, energy transition, and crisis management, while continuing to address vaping among youth.

Image Source: The Coverage Thailand