Smoking in Thailand
In Thailand, cigarettes are legally allowed to be sold and used, but they are strictly regulated. All forms of tobacco advertising are banned. The minimum legal age to buy cigarettes is 20 years, and smoking is restricted in public places. Health warnings on cigarette packaging are required. Cigarettes cannot be purchased online or through vending machines. Thailand also applies high taxes on tobacco, with a specific excise tax of 37.88%, contributing to a total taxation rate of 81.32%, which helps discourage smoking. Tobacco smoking data give significant insights into the prevalence and impact of smoking among the adult population in Thailand. As of 2024, there were 10.7 million current smokers aged 15 years and older, indicating a notable decrease from previous years. This indicates that the adult current smoking prevalence was 17.7%, with a marked gender disparity: 35% among males and 1.5% among females. In comparison, in 2020, these figures were slightly higher, with overall prevalence at 19.4%, 38.2% among males, and 1.9% among females. The adult daily smoking prevalence in 2021 was 15.3%, with 30.5% among males and 1.1% among females. In terms of health impact, smoking-related mortality in 2021 accounted for 10.59% of all deaths in Thailand, representing 66,327 deaths, with 15.6% of all male deaths and 4.08% of all female deaths. These statistics underscore the critical public health challenges posed by tobacco smoking in Thailand, necessitating continued public health efforts to mitigate its detrimental health impacts.
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March 26, 2026 by pattayamail.com
Thailand tightens controls on nicotine pouch sales and advertising
Thailand is moving to tighten control over nicotine pouches as authorities respond to growing concerns about their availability and marketing. The government is increasing enforcement measures, particularly targeting sales channels such as social media, tourist areas, and retail outlets. Nicotine pouches are being treated under existing tobacco laws, meaning strict restrictions apply to their advertising, promotion, and display at points of sale. Officials have emphasized that even legally imported and taxed products must comply with these rules, and violations can lead to penalties. The move reflects a broader effort to limit youth access and reduce the visibility of emerging nicotine products in the market. At the same time, the situation highlights ongoing regulatory ambiguity, as these products remain available despite increasingly strict enforcement.
November 12, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Thailand Launching Another Crackdown
Thailand has announced that it is launching yet another crackdown on vapes and vaping as a consumer organisation states it risks causing a public health disaster. Amid fear of user rates rising from 80,000 to 400,000, the government is amending its legislation from…err…banning the sale and use of vapes to be a comprehensive…err… ban on the sale and use of vapes.
October 29, 2025 by asianews.network
Thai government to crack down on vaping as user count hits 400,000
The Thai Cabinet orders an urgent amendment to the Tobacco Act to regulate e-cigarettes and tackle nicotine addiction, especially among youth. The Ministry of Public Health will lead in drafting the changes following a sharp increase in e-cigarette users, from 78,252 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024. The amendments aim to introduce comprehensive measures to control e-cigarettes and new tobacco products.
October 28, 2025 by nationthailand.com
Thai Government to Crack Down on Vaping as User Count Hits 400,000
The Thai Cabinet has ordered an urgent amendment to the Tobacco Act to control e-cigarettes and combat nicotine addiction, especially among youth. The move follows a substantial increase in e-cigarette users, from 78,252 in 2021 to over 400,000 in 2024. The Health Ministry will lead the drafting of these stricter regulations, proposing extensive measures to regulate e-cigarettes and new tobacco products.
August 12, 2025 by worldvapersalliance.com
WHO Backs Thailand’s E-Cigarette Ban: Ignoring Evidence and Silencing Consumers
Thailand’s ongoing ban on e-cigarettes, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a policy deeply disconnected from real-world evidence and the voices of those it most affects: the consumers seeking safer alternatives to smoking.
June 04, 2025 by gfn.tv
GFN News #155 | THAI THR ADVOCATES FIGHT BACK AGAINST VAPE BAN | Featuring Asa Saligupta
For 11 years Thailand has enforced a strict prohibition of vapes, with the resulting crackdown allegedly pushing vapers towards the black market. But advocates have created a strong community opposed to this ban, emphasising the right of people who smoke to quit using safer nicotine products. To examine the intricacies of Thailand's vape ban, we're joined today by Asa Saligupta, a leading Thai vaping advocate.
May 12, 2025 by vietnamplus.vn
Thailand officially bans e-cigarettes in schools, offices
Thailand's Education Ministry has prohibited e-cigarette use in schools and offices to combat youth vaping. Concerned about rising popularity due to accessibility and targeted ads, the ministry aims to protect children's health. Measures like awareness campaigns, installing no-vaping signs, and stricter supervision are implemented nationwide.
March 25, 2025 by filtermag.org
Thailand Cracks Down Harder on Vape Possession. Is There Hope?
Thailand launched a crackdown on nicotine vapes due to youth vaping fears and police corruption concerns. Despite severe penalties for possession or selling vapes, police raids and website shutdowns persist. Efforts to combat illicit sales have expanded to target regular citizens, sparking debate on legalization. A newly formed committee suggests policy changes to parliament, with hopes to lift the vaping ban. Advocates stress the importance of regulating vapes with age restrictions for consumer safety. Reports of police corruption and exaggerated media coverage fuel the ongoing debate on Thailand's vaping policies. With 81,000 vapers in Thailand, there is optimism for a more balanced approach to tobacco harm reduction.
March 17, 2025 by bangkokpost.com
Vaping a way to cut smoking death toll?
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 03, 2025 by straitstimes.com
Bangkok launches crackdown on e-cigarettes near schools, aiming for 100% smoke-free zones
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.
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