Key Takeaways
- Thailand’s Department of Disease Control said nicotine pouches are not harmless and contain addictive nicotine.
- Officials said nicotine can enter the bloodstream through the mouth lining and directly affect the nervous system and brain.
- Sales of nicotine pouches to people under 20 are prohibited in Thailand.
- Online sales of nicotine pouches are completely banned.
- Advertising, public relations, promotions, discounts and giveaways are also prohibited.
2Firsts, April 39, 2026
According to Nation Thailand, Thailand’s Department of Disease Control warned the public not to believe claims that nicotine pouches are harmless and stressed that the products contain high levels of nicotine and are subject to strict tobacco-control laws.
Thai official said claims that nicotine pouches are harmless are inaccurate
Dr Anek Mung-omklang, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control, said on Wednesday that misleading information had been circulating about nicotine pouches, including claims suggesting that the products were safe. He said those claims were inaccurate.
Nicotine can enter the bloodstream through the mouth lining
Dr Anek said nicotine pouches can deliver high levels of nicotine into the bloodstream through the lining of the mouth and directly affect the nervous system and brain.
The department said young people face higher addiction risk
He said nicotine can stimulate the brain quickly, making users vulnerable to addiction, particularly children and young people whose brains are still developing.
Dr Anek also said nicotine may affect memory, learning and emotional control, while increasing the risk of heart disease, vascular disease and serious oral health problems.
Nicotine pouches are classified as tobacco products
The Department of Disease Control said the warning was intended to correct public misunderstanding and prevent nicotine-related harm.
Dr Anek said nicotine pouches are classified as tobacco products under the Tobacco Products Control Act BE 2560 (2017) and are therefore subject to strict legal controls.
Online sales and all forms of advertising and promotion are banned
According to the report, sales to people under the age of 20 are prohibited, while online sales are completely banned. The law also prohibits advertising, public relations and marketing in all forms, including displaying nicotine pouches at points of sale and organizing promotional campaigns such as discounts, exchanges, giveaways or free gifts.
The department warned sellers they face legal action
The Department of Disease Control warned business operators and sellers that violations of tobacco-control rules carry legal penalties and that offenders will face full legal action.
The public can report illegal advertising and online sales
The report said members of the public who find illegal advertising or online sales of nicotine pouches can report the matter to the department by calling 02 590 3852.
Free quit support is available through public health services
People who wish to quit using tobacco products can seek free advice at public health facilities under the Ministry of Public Health or call the national quit-smoking hotline at 1600.
Photo credit: Nation Thailand
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