Politics
Thai Government Reaffirms Ban on E-Cigarettes
Public Health Minister Phatthana Phomphat has confirmed the government's total opposition to e-cigarettes, announcing a new collaborative strategy to combat nicotine addiction.
On August 26, 2026, Thai Public Health Minister Phatthana Phomphat, serving as the first vice-chair of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), presided over the foundation's seventh meeting of the year. During the session, the Minister explicitly stated that the government maintains a 100% stance against the legalization or acceptance of e-cigarettes in Thailand.
To address tobacco and nicotine consumption, the Ministry of Public Health and ThaiHealth have agreed to establish a joint working group. This committee is tasked with defining specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to ensure a seamless, integrated approach to smoking cessation programs across the country. The initiative aims to create a more effective, unified strategy for reducing nicotine dependency among the population.
For residents and travelers, this announcement serves as a clear reminder that the strict prohibition of e-cigarettes remains firmly in place. Visitors should be aware that the possession, use, and importation of vaping devices are illegal in Thailand, and the government shows no signs of shifting this policy. While the government has committed to this new collaborative framework for cessation, the specific timeline for the implementation of these new KPIs and the exact nature of the upcoming cessation programs remain to be confirmed by the Ministry.