Read articles from Asia

March 25, 2025 by tbsnews.net

The government plans to increase prices of luxury cigarettes to reduce consumption, combating the rise in sales following a tax hike on lower-tier cigarettes. Revenue from cigarettes has surged in February. Suggestions to combat tobacco use and smuggling were discussed at a recent meeting. The proposal to amend tobacco laws was supported, but discussions involving tobacco companies were debated due to WHO guidelines. The ban on e-cigarettes has not curbed their availability, with proposals to regulate their use to prevent revenue loss. Philip Morris applied to produce e-cigarettes in Bangladesh.

March 25, 2025 by cspdailynews.com

Three U.S. representatives urge Trump administration to address illegal Chinese e-cigarette smuggling, impacting American public health and youth vaping. Despite existing federal task forces, they advocate for stronger enforcement actions, emphasizing the need to seize unauthorized products. The congressmen highlight the contradiction of China banning flavored e-cigarettes domestically while exporting them globally. Recent seizures in Miami raised concerns about the safety and prevalence of these products, originating from China. The letter calls for utilizing all available enforcement tools to combat illicit vape sales in the U.S., stressing the urgency to protect public health.

March 17, 2025 by bangkokpost.com

President of Ends Cigarette Smoking Thailand, Asa Saligupta, discusses vaping benefits and contrasts it with smoking dangers in a Bangkok Post podcast. Vaping has helped many quit smoking, proven to be safer, and supported by UK's health service. Despite this, Thailand outlaws e-cigarettes, influencing farmers and public health negatively. Research shows vaping aids smoking cessation, but Thai bans affect lives and tourism. Concerns about underage vaping exist, but regulating access rather than banning is suggested. Licensed vaping solutions are widespread in Thailand, while illegal products may pose risks. Asa advocates for legalizing vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, emphasizing personal choice and public health evidence.

March 12, 2025 by pia.gov.ph

The Philippines has seen an increase in e-cigarette use among young people despite the introduction of the Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act (RA 11900) in 2022. E-cigarettes are devices that simulate smoking by producing vapor instead of smoke. The new regulations govern the import, sale, distribution, and use of these products, aiming to reduce the health risks associated with vaping and smoking.

March 12, 2025 by thesouthfirst.com

Experts discuss the effectiveness of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) in aiding smoking cessation. NRT helps reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms, increasing success rates. However, prolonged reliance on NRT can hinder quitting smoking altogether. Alternative methods like cold turkey and Champix are mentioned. While temporary aid with NRT can be beneficial, the ultimate goal is complete nicotine cessation. Using NRT during pregnancy is discouraged. Substituting cigarettes with candies is not advised due to the addictive nature of sugar. Quitting smoking requires willpower, understanding health risks, and support. Compared to alcohol withdrawal, cigarette withdrawal is less severe. Successful quitting depends on motivation, support, and awareness of risks.

March 11, 2025 by filtermag.org

Tobacco harm reduction saves lives by providing safer alternatives for smokers unwilling to quit. Women face unique challenges due to societal norms and health risks associated with smoking, including reproductive complications and cancer. Initiatives like the Lady Health Workers program in Pakistan demonstrate effective outreach to promote awareness and harm reduction. Gender-sensitive approaches are crucial in policy-making and advocacy to ensure equitable access to resources. Empowering women through THR not only benefits their health but also influences their families and communities positively. Collaboration with healthcare providers and tailored messaging are essential in promoting THR among women for a more inclusive and effective strategy.

March 10, 2025 by newswire.lk

The COPF questioned the regulation and taxation of e-cigarettes and vapes in Sri Lanka during discussions on increasing cigarette taxes. Despite their popularity, e-cigarettes are illegal, with raids to catch users ongoing. No arrests have been made for e-cigarette use. The COPF also discussed the Excise Duty proposal but ultimately rejected the Ministry of Finance's request to raise cigarette taxes.

March 06, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk

Dr Konstantinos Farsalinos, a researcher in Greece, criticizes a study claiming vaping is more harmful than smoking. He supports vaping as a safer alternative, citing a study with 17,973 patients that shows switching reduces cardiac risks. Farsalinos emphasizes vaping benefits for heart health and challenges misconceptions about nicotine's cardiovascular risks. His insights question recent studies equating vaping with smoking risks, suggesting they will be debunked. The study reveals challenges in smoking cessation, highlighting the importance of promoting vaping as a harm-reduction tool for cardiovascular health.

March 03, 2025 by straitstimes.com

Bangkok authorities are implementing strict measures to ban e-cigarette sales near schools to maintain a smoke-free environment and prevent youth access to these products. Concerns over rising e-cigarette use among young people have prompted a crackdown to combat drug-related issues. The initiative involves close collaboration between city police to eliminate illicit e-cigarette sales on school premises. Progress will be reviewed in future meetings to ensure effective enforcement and inter-agency coordination.

February 27, 2025 by thestar.com.my

Toy pods, a new type of e-cigarettes designed to resemble cartoon characters, may pose health risks to children, warned Assistant Professor Srirat Lapyai from the Product Watch project on Feb 27. These e-cigarettes, available in Thailand since mid-2024, are accessible to primary school children, prompting concerns from parents. They come in various shapes, including toys, candy boxes, juice cartons, and keychains, and are available in flavors like strawberry, mango, and blueberry. Lapyai highlighted that the cartoon-like design is part of a harm reduction strategy, making e-cigarettes appear more appealing.