Thailand’s DDC Files Complaint Over Online Sales of Nicotine Pouches

Key Takeaways

• Thailand’s Department of Disease Control has lodged a complaint over alleged online nicotine pouch sales.
• On March 17, DDC deputy director-general Anek Moong-om-klang assigned investigators at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station to pursue legal action.
• The department said surveillance found advertising and sales through electronic media and later identified a storefront linked to a shop in Pathum Thani province.
• Officials said the conduct may violate Sections 27(2) and 31(1) of the Tobacco Products Control Act 2017.
• The DDC said nicotine pouch advertising and sales are widespread on social media and the products have also been found in tourist areas and shopping centres, making them accessible to children and teenagers.

2Firsts, March 23, 2026

According to the original report, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control (DDC) has lodged a complaint over the alleged online sale of nicotine pouches. The department said monitoring found the products were being advertised and sold through electronic media, and that a further inquiry later identified a physical storefront linked to a shop in Pathum Thani province.

Investigators were assigned to pursue the case at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station

Speaking on March 21, DDC deputy director-general Anek Moong-om-klang said that on March 17 he assigned investigators at Mueang Nonthaburi Police Station to take legal action against those accused of selling nicotine pouches online.

The DDC said its surveillance found sales and advertising through electronic media, and that an expanded inquiry later identified a storefront linked to a shop in Pathum Thani province.

Anek said the conduct may breach the Tobacco Products Control Act 2017, including Section 27(2) on sales through electronic media and Section 31(1) on advertising or displaying a tobacco product name or mark. He said evidence is still being gathered as the case proceeds.

Nicotine pouch sales were also found in social media, tourist areas and shopping centres

He also warned that nicotine pouch advertising and sales are currently widespread across social media, and that the products have been found on sale in tourist areas and shopping centres, making them easy to access, particularly for children and teenagers.

According to the department, nicotine pouches contain high concentrations of nicotine that can be absorbed into the bloodstream quickly. It said possible effects include rapid heartbeat, palpitations and chest tightness, as well as an increased risk of heart and blood vessel disease.

The DDC also said the products can cause addiction and may affect brain development in the long term. The original report said the department asked the public to report suspected nicotine pouch advertising or sales through electronic media or computer networks by calling 0-2590-3852.

The report also noted separately that Product Watch warned electric cannabis vapes are spreading rapidly among young people because of their low cost, easy availability and toy-like design.

Image source: The Thaiger