Smoking in Thailand
In Thailand, the tobacco smoking landscape reveals significant insights into the prevalence and impact of smoking among the adult population. As of 2022, there were 10,962,267 smokers aged 15 years and older, indicating a notable decrease from previous years. This indicates that the adult smoking prevalence stood at 18.9%, with a marked gender disparity: 37.7% among males and 1.8% among females. Comparatively, 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 the country, translating to 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 effects.
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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.
February 27, 2025 by nationthailand.com
Toy-like e-cigarettes pose health risks for children, expert warns
Asst Prof Srirat Lapyai highlighted the availability of e-cigarettes for young children in Thailand since last year. Concerned parents requested media coverage on the issue. She mentioned that these e-cigarettes were designed to resemble various children's items like cartoon characters, toys, and candy packaging.
February 27, 2025 by thestar.com.my
Cartoon-shaped e-cigarettes, or toy pods, pose health risks to children, Thai expert warns
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.
February 24, 2025 by thesun.my
Thailand PM orders nationwide crackdown on e-cigarettes
Thailand's PM has ordered a crackdown on e-cigarettes due to widespread sales, with officials facing consequences if complicit. Over 3,000 items worth 2 million baht were seized in a recent raid in Bangkok. Concerns of corruption and negligence among law enforcement were raised, with shops openly operating, possibly with police involvement. The situation has escalated, with reports of illicit substances in e-cigarettes causing youth fatalities. A proposed task force, the Doraemon Task Force, aims to combat e-cigarettes designed to appeal to children and youth. Strict actions are urged to address the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people.
January 08, 2025 by planetofthevapes.co.uk
Public Health Win in Thailand
CAPHRA supports Thailand's shift towards more inclusive e-cigarette regulations for harm reduction, highlighting the importance of considering all stakeholders' perspectives. The committee aims to present alternative solutions by December, moving beyond prohibition to regulate e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products. The organisation advocates for evidence-based policies that do not criminalize e-cigarette users, while addressing youth use concerns and recognizing benefits for adult smokers. They believe Thailand's approach could be a positive model for the region, promoting public health and individual choice. CAPHRA encourages further research, dialogue, and collaboration with stakeholders to improve harm reduction outcomes.
December 09, 2024 by bangkokpost.com
Health advocates denounce e-cigarette legalisation plans
Health advocates criticize plans to legalize e-cigarettes in Thailand due to concerns of bias and public health impacts. Suggestions to lift the ban on e-cigarettes, legalise heated tobacco products, or legalize all e-cigarettes clash with global anti-e-cigarette trends. Experts highlight the need for strict control measures, citing risks of youth addiction and healthcare costs. Advocates emphasize the importance of protecting public health, especially children, and stress the financial burden and societal impacts of smoking-related illnesses. Additionally, they point out contradictions in arguments for economic benefits through e-cigarette legalization.
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