Niyom Wierathandithakul, Phrae MP of the Party for Thailand and chairperson of the Special Parliamentary Committee studying e-cigarette laws and measures in the country, proposed three approaches, 1). Continue the ban on e-cigarettes and toughen existing laws, 2). Regulate heated tobacco products (HTPs) while maintaining the e-cigarette ban, 3). Regulate both e-cigarettes and HTPs.
The committee, comprising 35 members from state agencies, civil organizations, and individuals, has invited experts to examine the multifaceted impacts of e-cigarettes on health, society, children, youth, the economy, and law enforcement. The committee has taken into consideration the state of reality in Thailand, where e-cigarettes have been a longstanding societal issue. He emphasized that these efforts are meant for national interest & asserted that protecting children and youth remains the top priority for the committee.
Niyom noted that, although e-cigarettes are currently illegal in Thailand, their usage remains widespread. Therefore, the committee must seek regulatory & control measures appropriate to Thailand’s circumstances, state of reality and context. The committee has formed two sub-groups to consider regulatory measures and prepare a report, focusing on Thailand’s specific context. The study’s results will be presented to the House of Representatives for further decision by the executive branch or government on their chosen approach.
