Thailand's E-Cigarette Legalization Proposal Faces Strong Opposition
According to the Bangkok Post, Thailand’s proposal to legalize e-cigarettes is facing strong opposition. Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said on Tuesday that he is exploring ways to allow the sale of e-cigarettes, citing their
According to the Bangkok Post, the proposal to legalize e-cigarettes in Thailand faces strong opposition.
Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn stated on Tuesday that he is exploring ways to allow the sale of e-cigarettes, citing their potential to help people quit smoking and provide economic opportunities.
Chaiwut pointed out that at least 67 countries have approved e-cigarettes as a less harmful alternative to smoking, while Thailand continues to reject them. He emphasized that if it were possible to turn Thai-grown tobacco into e-cigarette products for export, both the Thai Tobacco Monopoly and tobacco farmers would benefit.
The National Alliance Against Tobacco (NATFT) responded by calling on the government to intensify efforts to protect the public from various forms of tobacco products. NATFT Chair Somsri Pausawasdi stated, “All sectors of society, including government and non-government organizations, have been working to reduce the number of smokers, so legalizing e-cigarettes would only exacerbate the situation.”
Ronnachai Kongsakon, director of the Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center, stated that e-cigarettes are not a safer option for those wanting to quit smoking, and current knowledge about their long-term health effects remains limited.
The Thai Medical Association also strongly opposes Chaiwut's proposal.
The organization sent an open letter to Prime Minister Prayuth, urging him to caution the minister. This letter was signed by Amorn Leelarasamee, president of the Thai Medical Association, and supported by leaders from 14 royal academies and the National Alliance Against Tobacco.
Pramuk Mutirangkura, dean of the Royal College of Surgeons of Thailand, also expressed opposition.
In response to the minister's claim that at least 67 countries have approved e-cigarettes as less harmful than smoking, Pramuk stated that each of these countries allows sales but with conditions. He noted that their sales are not without restrictions.
He added that many other countries still ban e-cigarettes because they want to protect public health, preferring the principle of “prevention over treatment.”
Thailand has at least 10 million smokers.
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