Thailand is ramping up its crackdown on illegal e-cigarette sales with sweeping website bans and the establishment of a dedicated oversight committee. The country’s anti-vape campaign, led by PM's Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, employs a multifaceted approach that includes stricter law enforcement, preventative measures, and potential legal reforms.
As part of the initiative, authorities have shut down over 9,000 websites linked to illegal vape sales. Logistics companies are now required to display explicit warnings against shipping e-cigarettes, tighten package screening, and retain sender data for 30 days. The scale of enforcement is staggering – Royal Thai Police data reveals more than 600 anti-vape cases resulting in 690 arrests and product seizures valued over 41 million baht. In one recent raid in Nonthaburi, the Metropolitan Police Bureau arrested two suspects and confiscated 30,000 e-cigarettes and e-liquids worth over three million baht.
This hardline stance places Thailand among 33 countries that have imposed a complete ban on e-cigarettes, setting it apart from the 89 nations that allow their sale and use under regulation. However, the ban has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that Thailand’s current vape laws are impractical, especially since traditional cigarettes remain legal. Tourists from countries where vaping is permitted often find themselves caught off guard by the strict laws and hefty fines, adding to the confusion.
While the campaign reflects Thailand’s commitment to combating vaping, it also underscores the ongoing global debate over e-cigarettes. Calls for legal reform are growing, with proponents highlighting the need for clearer, more practical regulations that address public health concerns while minimizing confusion for residents and visitors alike.
Although e-cigarettes were initially promoted as a safer alternative to traditional smoking, research from organizations such as the WHO and Johns Hopkins suggests they may pose significant health risks.