On August 1, 2024, during the opening ceremony of the 22nd National Tobacco and Health Conference, Thai Minister of Public Health Somsak Thepsuthin emphasized the crucial need to ban the import of e-cigarettes. His speech highlighted the rising trend of e-cigarette usage among young people and underscored the health risks associated with such products.
Minister Somsak Thepsuthin pointed out the significant health hazards posed by e-cigarettes, including the risks of cancer and respiratory diseases. These health issues not only affect the users but also those around them. Of particular concern is the increasing use of e-cigarettes among young people, which poses a serious threat to Thailand’s low birth rate and aging society.
The Thai government has already implemented measures to combat the illegal import and sale of e-cigarettes, and efforts are being made to raise public awareness about their dangers. Minister Somsak noted that current regulations regarding e-cigarette imports are under parliamentary review. He strongly opposed any move to legalize the import of e-cigarettes, calling it a “grave mistake.”
Minister Somsak urged the public to recognize the dangers of e-cigarettes and support the Ministry of Public Health and related agencies in their efforts to enforce a comprehensive ban on imports.
When questioned about the possibility of amending the law to allow e-cigarette imports, Minister Somsak firmly rejected the idea. He called for cooperation among various sectors to promote and lobby against any attempts to change the law. The opposition party, Pheu Thai Party, also clearly stated its stance against the import of e-cigarettes.
Thailand already has several laws regulating e-cigarettes. Minister Somsak emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation among different departments to ensure comprehensive enforcement of these regulations.
Professor Prakit Wateesatokit, Chairman of the National Tobacco Control Foundation, echoed Minister Somsak’s concerns. He stated that existing laws are adequate to combat illegal sales, particularly online, but enforcement needs to be strengthened. Despite the legal prohibition of e-cigarette possession and sales, weak enforcement has allowed their popularity to surge among teenagers. With over 70% of e-cigarettes sold through online channels, Professor Prakit called on the Minister of Digital Economy and Society to take stricter measures to shut down illegal websites.
Professor Prakit also highlighted attempts by some private enterprises to lobby the parliament for the free sale of e-cigarettes. He stressed that health-related departments have protested against such actions. However, due to the lack of specific enforcement regulations, the parliament finds it challenging to prevent individuals with ties to the tobacco industry from participating in the legislative process. He urged the swift formulation of relevant regulations to prevent conflicts of interest.
