Cambodia Sets New Tobacco Control Targets for 2030
Cambodia’s Health Minister has called for the development of a tobacco control strategy for 2027–2031, aiming to reduce tobacco use by 30% by 2030. The meeting focused on reducing tobacco use and protecting the public from secondhand smoke. Combating illegal and counterfeit tobacco products, and preventing the spread of vapes.
Key Takeaways from the Minister’s Directive
- Cambodian Health Minister Cheang Ra has called for the development of a tobacco control strategy for 2027–2031, aiming to reduce tobacco use by 30% by 2030.
- This directive was made at a meeting of the Tobacco Products Control Committee held in Phnom Penh.
- The meeting focused on reducing tobacco use, protecting the public from secondhand smoke. Combating illegal and counterfeit tobacco products, and preventing the spread of vapes.
- Ra stated that tobacco control cannot rely solely on the Ministry of Health; it requires multi-sectoral cooperation.
Strategy Announcement and Policy Priorities
April 29, 2026. According to the Khmer Times. Cambodian Health Minister Cheang Ra has called for the development of a tobacco control strategy for 2027–2031, aiming to reduce tobacco use by 30% by 2030.
The new strategy prioritises tobacco, secondhand smoke, illicit products, and vapes.
This directive was issued at a meeting of the Tobacco Products Control Committee on April 27.
The meeting aimed to review progress, strengthen inter-sectoral cooperation, and identify priorities.
Focus Areas: Public Health and Enforcement
According to reports, key areas include reducing tobacco use, protecting the public from secondhand smoke, combating illicit and counterfeit tobacco products, and preventing the spread of vapes.
The Minister stated that tobacco control measures also aim to prevent non-communicable diseases.
Ra stated that tobacco control is a shared responsibility of all sectors and society as a whole, and that concerted efforts are needed to protect children, adolescents, and citizens from the harms of tobacco and vapes, and to build a smoke-free, healthy, and safe future for Cambodia.
Protecting Public Health and Vulnerable Groups
Ra also stated that strengthening tobacco control efforts is crucial for protecting lives, noting that government measures are not only aimed at reducing smoking rates but also at protecting the public, especially children, adolescents, and women, from non-communicable diseases such as cancer and stroke.
Expanding Public Education and Awareness
The Minister requested expanded public education efforts, with a focus on students and youth.
Ra stated that effective action requires inter-sectoral cooperation, and the Ministry of Health cannot accomplish this task alone.
He said that all ministries, agencies, local authorities, schools, communities, and the general public must contribute.
He called for expanded education and awareness campaigns, particularly targeting students and young people, as they are increasingly vulnerable to new tobacco products and vapes.
Call for Stronger Law Enforcement
The Minister demanded stricter enforcement of existing laws.
Ra demanded stricter enforcement of relevant laws. Including bans on tobacco advertising and mandatory health warnings on cigarette packaging. Smoking bans in public places, and a more severe crackdown on illegal and counterfeit tobacco products.
Ra stated that the 2027–2031 strategy must be evidence-based to reduce tobacco use by 30% by 2030.
Expert Support and Concerns Over Enforcement
Experts expressed support for the new initiative but pointed out that enforcement remains weak.
Nuth Sambath, a health science expert at the Royal Academy of Cambodia, welcomed the initiative, calling it a positive step towards reducing tobacco use, as tobacco harms not only smokers but also those exposed to secondhand smoke.
Sambath also stated that although laws already prohibit smoking in public places, enforcement remains weak, and many people, especially young people, still smoke openly.
He called for stronger enforcement and stated that those under 18 should not be allowed to smoke.
Recommendations: Designated Smoking Areas and Compliance
Experts recommend designated smoking areas and emphasise compliance with the law.
He suggested establishing designated smoking areas to prevent widespread smoking in public places and called for greater respect for the law.
Sambath stated that although laws exist, rules regarding smokers in public places are not strictly enforced, and welcomed the government’s efforts to reduce tobacco use by 30% by 2030.
