Market and legal data for the vapour sector in Thailand

16th January 2025: Thailand: On 26th December 2024, the chairman of Thailand’s Special Committee on E-Cigarette Control, presented a comprehensive report to the Thai parliament following a 15-month review. The report proposes underpinning the ban on all e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products, including banning the import and possession of these products. The parliament is not required to vote on the report, but its view may guide future Cabinet action. Despite the ban proposal, yesterday (15th January) the Dental Network Against Tobacco Dangers raised concerns over the tobacco industry’s interference in the works of the special committee, as several of its members are accused of having ties to the industry.
10th December 2024: Thailand: A parliamentary committee is finalising its report on measures to regulate e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products (HTPs) in an effort to protect youth, following discussions that started in September 2023, press reports. The committee, comprising 35 members from government agencies, academics, medical representatives and stakeholders, has reviewed three policy options: maintaining the ban on e-cigarettes and HTPs with increased enforcement, banning e-cigarettes while regulating HTPs, or regulating both products. The final report will incorporate diverse perspectives, including those of e-cigarette users, to ensure balanced and comprehensive recommendations. The release date of the report is unclear, and e-cigarettes and HTPs remain banned in the country.
11th November 2024: Thailand: In a meeting today, the National Tobacco Products Control Committee agreed to propose that the government promote the “1 province, 1 hospital: helping Thais quit smoking and e-cigarettes comprehensively” policy, which aims to reduce smoking rates, particularly among youth and Gen Z. Health minister Somsak Thepsuthin also emphasised the need for collaboration with the Ministry of Education and other agencies in order to raise awareness and promote prevention. The meeting also awarded the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Smoke-free Award to Saensuk Municipality for its efforts in creating a smoke-free public space.
6th November 2024: Thailand: Today, Panumas Yanwetsakul, director-general of the Department of Disease Control, has highlighted the health risks of e-cigarettes and their increasing popularity among youth in Thailand and abroad. He also raised the environmental issues seen in the UK, where single-use e-cigarettes contribute significantly to plastic and electronic waste, releasing toxic substances like lead and mercury into the environment. With the UK set to ban single-use vapes starting 1st June 2025, due to similar concerns, Chayanan Sittibut, director of the Tobacco Product Control Board, emphasised that Thailand’s existing ban on the import, production and sale of e-cigarettes is a measure to prevent youth vaping and protect the country’s environment.
4th November 2024: Thailand: On 2nd November, the Thai government highlighted prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s focus on preventing and controlling the illegal movement of e-cigarettes and other prohibited products. The announcement detailed that between 22nd and 31st October 2024, enforcement actions led to the seizure of e-cigarettes, liquid refills, and other prohibited items valued at over THB49m ($1.4m). Thousands of foreign-made e-cigarettes were confiscated due to improper customs documentation, including incorrect and incomplete information, which aimed to evade import prohibitions.
31st October 2024: Thailand: The Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), operating independently in the country under the oversight of the prime minister’s office, recently held a “Kids Free from Pods” event that featured warning stories and educational materials developed with various organisations to address rising e-cigarette use among children. During the event, ThaiHealth manager Phongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon referenced the 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey, noting that over 53% of Thai youth between the ages of 10 and 19 who use e-cigarettes show signs of depression and emphasising that e-cigarette use increases the risk of other health concerns. Prakrit Watthasartkit, president of the nonprofit Anti-Smoking Foundation, highlighted that secondhand e-cigarette vapour has been linked to respiratory issues like bronchitis and asthma among affected teens, press reports.
30th October 2024: Thailand: During a recent meeting with the National Health Commission, deputy prime minister Prasert Jantarawongthong and minister of public health Somsak Thepsuthin both highlighted the rise in smoking and vaping among children and youth in Thailand. They urged the Health Promotion Foundation to collaborate with the National Health Commission and relevant agencies to address this issue by raising awareness among young people about the dangers of smoking and e-cigarettes, press reports.
10th October 2024: Thailand: On 8th October, during a press conference led by Jurai Wongsawat and Weerawat Manosutthi, spokespersons for the Department of Disease Control, concerns were raised about the growing use of e-cigarettes among Thai youth. Data from the National Statistical Office showed that in 2021, approximately 80,000 individuals aged 15 or above in Thailand used e-cigarettes. And a survey based on the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) standards found that 17.6% of Thai 13- to 15-year-olds reported using e-cigarettes in 2022, reflecting a five-fold increase since 2015. The officials at the conference highlighted the health risks of e-cigarettes and emphasised that Thailand is one of countries banning the import, sale and possession of e-cigarettes, urging public cooperation to protect youth from the dangers of these products.
7th October 2024: Thailand: Today, a Senate meeting chaired by Kriangkrai Srirak, first vice president of the Senate, and Somsak Thepsuthin, minister of public health, addressed concerns raised by Senate member Premsak Piayura over the control of e-cigarettes among children and youth, press reports. In response, Somsak outlined five key measures to control and prevent the spread of e-cigarettes in Thailand. These include stricter enforcement of laws on e-cigarettes, strengthening collaborative networks for support, confirming policies and actions to limit e-cigarette use, expanding knowledge and education efforts, and raising awareness among children, youth, and the public about e-cigarette risks.
23rd September 2024: Thailand: Chanin Rungthanakiat – member of Parliament representing the party list and deputy spokesperson of the Pheu Thai Party (the core party of the current government) – along with Wanniwat Sombun – member of Parliament representing Khon Kaen – welcomed a youth group from the YSDN Thailand network, press reports. The group presented survey results and proposed six policies to the Pheu Thai Party, including the control of e-cigarettes. Chanin said the proposal was being considered by his party, adding that e-cigarettes must have laws to control and reduce risks that could affect the youth.
16th August 2024: Thailand: Paetongtarn Shinawatra has become Thailand’s youngest-ever prime minister. She succeeds Srettha Thavisin after his removal by a constitutional court ruling, press reports. While it’s too early to determine the exact stance of Paetongtarn’s administration, her Pheu Thai Party is expected to focus on tightening regulations around substances like tobacco – including related products such as e-cigarettes – due to public health concerns.
5th August 2024: Thailand: During a discussion at the National Health Commission Office, deputy public health minister Thanakrit Jitareerat called for the creation of a distinct law aimed at banning the use and sale of e-cigarettes, since various agencies independently enforce measures based on different laws, press reports. The deputy minister said: “The measures we have rolled out to date have proved ineffective, so a specific law on the matter must be drafted as soon as possible, describing vaping as a serious threat to society.”

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