Bangkok: The ban on e-cigarettes in Thailand has not curbed their usage, leading to a rise in the number of users and prompting calls for the government to explore new regulatory measures that fit the Thai context.
According to Thai News Agency, the World Health Organization’s recent report on global e-cigarette usage revealed that there are over 100 million users worldwide. This includes 86 million adults in high-income countries and approximately 15 million youths aged 13-15 years. In Thailand, data from the National Statistical Office in 2024 indicates a significant increase in e-cigarette users, rising from 78,742 in 2021 to 900,459 in 2024, an 11.44-fold increase.
Mr. Asa Salikupt, representing the End Tobacco Smoke (ECST) group, pointed out the inefficacy of Thailand’s decade-long e-cigarette ban. He noted that instead of decreasing user numbers, the ban has led to a thriving black market, corruption, and societal issues among youth. The lack of product quality control poses risks of drug contamination and device-related dangers. He criticized the country’s rigid adherence to the WHO’s tobacco control policies, which do not consider the substantial number of smokers unwilling to quit. These individuals, he argued, should have access to safer alternatives.
Salikupt also emphasized that while 91 countries have legalized e-cigarettes, Thai public health officials continue to advocate for a ban, aligning with WHO recommendations. He expressed concerns that the upcoming WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control meeting would likely reinforce this stance, neglecting the unique challenges faced by Thai society and ignoring the needs of over a million e-cigarette users in the country. The ongoing ban fails to address issues related to e-cigarette use in inappropriate areas, lack of quality control, illegal drug mixing, and accessibility by minors through online platforms. The call for legal control options that reflect Thai societal realities is growing louder as the government grapples with these complex challenges.