TOBACCO CONTROL PLAN
TOBACCO CONTROL PLAN
The most recent survey conducted in 2013 found that the rate of cigarette use among members of the Thai population age 15 and older decreased to 19.94%. Male smokers, the largest group of smokers in Thailand, showed a greater trend in reduced smoking rates than females.Similarly, children and youth (ages 15-24) also showed a downward trend in smoking rates. The survey also found that the average age Thai’s start smoking decreased from 18 to 17 years of age. Therefore, children and youth require special attention to prevent the emergence of a new generation of smokers.
The survey also found that individuals living outside municipal areas, especially in the southern and northeastern regions of Thailand, exhibit increased cigarette use. In addition, the general population in Thailand is becoming more exposed to secondhand cigarette smoke than in the past, especially near markets, public transportation terminals, and restaurants.
Focus Areas of Plan
1) Public Policies and Law Enforcement
1.1 Law enforcement, esp ecially policies/measures to protect the health of non-smokers and reduce unwanted exposure to secondhand smoke.
1.2 Advocacy for new policies/measures, such as:
Tobacco Products Consumption Control Act B.E.
Restriction of access to cigarettes, especially among youth/new generation smokers, including zoning cigarette retailers
2) Research & Information Systems
2.1 Support action-based research, community-based research, and movement-based research with community based participatory research
2.2 Research/academic work to drive policies and campaign networks, and apply gained knowledge to continually develop relevant work.
2.3 Information systems to support the synthesis and development of academic/research work for greater ease in applying work results.
3) Campaign Networks, Public Relations, and Expansion of Smoke-Free Zones
3.1 Prevention of a new generations of smokers, especially youth and women, and a reduction of male rural smokers.
3.2 Prevention of exposure to secondhand smoke and thirdhand smoke exposure by expansion of smoke-free zones.
3.3 Communication to adjust public perception and attitude towards tobacco products, the tobacco industry, and cigarette smokers (de-normalization).
3.4 Anti-tobacco model development in various areas and provinces.
3.5 Integrated work promotion alongside other work plans to control tobacco.
4) Services to Help Smokers Quit Smoking
4.1 Development of rehabilitation and referral systems for smokers, and inclusion of medication for smoking cessation in the National List of Essential Medicines.
MEDIA
“Cigarettes” cause a health crisis with devastating effects on both smokers and those around them. The global death toll indicates that over 8 million people die due to smoking each year, and approximately 65,000 children worldwide lose their lives before the age of 5 as a result of exposure to “secondhand smoke”. In Thailand, more than 80,000 lives each year are claimed by cigarettes and secondhand smoke. Of particular concern is the targeting of teenagers through the promotion of “vaping”, leaving children and adolescents vulnerable. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS) among Thai youth in the year 2022, the prevalence of e-cigarettes among children and adolescents sharply increased from 3.3% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022, marking a 5.3-fold increase. This finding aligns with the 2024 survey on e-cigarette usage among 152 primary school students in the central region. The survey revealed that up to 15% of fourth and fifth graders were encouraged to try e-cigarettes by family members. Additionally, 73% of students who had used e-cigarettes reported being persuaded by family, friends, and community members. “E-cigarettes” are easily accessible to children and adolescents as a result of “deceptions” stemming from the marketing strategies of the tobacco industry, particularly online advertisements, directly targeting and manipulating children and adolescents. This...
