VAPING IN THAILAND ? IS IT LEGAL ?
Vaping has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to smoking tobacco. However, the legality of vaping varies from country to country. In Thailand, vaping is currently illegal, but there have been discussions about potentially legalizing it in the future.
Part One – The Status Quo of Vaping in Thailand
Thailand is known for having strict laws when it comes to tobacco and smoking. In 2014, a new law was introduced that banned the import, sale, and possession of e-cigarettes and e-liquids. Anyone caught vaping or in possession of an e-cigarette can be fined up to 30,000 baht (about $900) or jailed for up to 10 years. The government cited health concerns and the potential for e-cigarettes to be a gateway to smoking as reasons for the ban.
According to a report released by the World Health Organization, there are more than 80, 000 people die of smoking-related diseases annually in Thailand, accounting for 18% of the total death cases. As an anonymous pointed out, “Ironically, these figures should have been lower if vaping is not banned.” Many people hold the same opinion about the ban.
Part Two – The Arguments for and against Legalizing Vaping
While imposing one of the strictest laws against vaping, Thailand decriminalized cannabis, or weed, in 2018. It was the first country in Southeast Asia to legalize the possession, cultivation, and distribution of cannabis, with the hope that the move will boost the country’s economy.
With a similar argument, those in favor of legalizing vaping in Thailand also point out that other countries in the region, such as Japan, South Korea, and Malaysia, have already legalized e-cigarettes. They argue that Thailand is missing out on the economic benefits of the vaping industry, such as job creation and tax revenue.
Besides, another argument for legalizing vaping is that it reduces the smoking rate, and helps people quit smoking. There are a bunch of evidence that vaping is a safer alternative to smoking, and it’s considered as an effective way to help people get rid of tobacco.
Part Three – The Future of Vaping in Thailand
Despite the ongoing debate, there have been some signs of progress towards legalization. In 2021, Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, the Minster of Digital Economy and Society, said he is exploring ways to legalize the sales of e-cigarettes. The politician believed that vaping is a safer choice for those who are struggling with quitting smoking. Moreover, he predicted that it will bring a great benefit to the nation if the vaping industry becomes a more sustainable one.
The year of 2023 could potentially witness an end to the ban on vaping, as a new round of election in parliament is about to start. Quoting from Asa Saligupta, director of ECST, “This work has been going on for several years. It hasn’t been stagnant. In fact, the smoking law is waiting for approval from the Thai parliament.”
Part Four – Conclusion
In conclusion, the legalization of vaping in Thailand is an intricate issue that has both its supporters and opponents. While there are arguments for and against legalization, the growing demand for e-cigarettes in the country suggests that it is a topic that will continue to be debated in the years to come. But as we can tell from the released news, legalizing vaping and put it under the government’s censorship are the best way to go.
