The legalization of e-cigarettes in Thailand has been blocked after nearly 600,000 people signed a petition against legalization. Experts have warned that legalization could harm society and children.
Thailand’s parliamentary committee will assess the legal sale of e-cigarettes in the country on December 12. However, civic teams, youth networks, and foundations strongly oppose the move, with nearly 600,000 people signing a petition against legalization.
Thai education expert Chidabong Sompong criticized the committee’s credibility, pointing out that the committee’s views could be biased because of the participation of private sector representatives related to the e-cigarette industry. In particular, he pointed to some aggressive marketing methods aimed at young people under the age of 8, packaging e-cigarettes as fashionable and easily accessible goods, especially through online platforms.
According to him, the number of young e-cigarette users has increased by two to threefold from 2015 to 2022. TPN Media notes that this increase has occurred during a complete ban on e-cigarettes, which proponents of legalization argue shows the failure of a complete ban and that reasonable controls may be a better option.
Proponents of legalization argue that it could increase tax revenue by regulating the current underground market. However, Kettabong Somphen cited a study that said the cost of treating vaping-related diseases is three times greater than fiscal revenues. He called on lawmakers not only to focus on economic revenue but also to carefully weigh various points of view, emphasizing the potential for long-term damage to public health and social integrity if they decide to support legalization.
In addition, 14 medical associations unanimously oppose the legalization of vapes.
