Showing 1 - 9 of 9
Best to kick the habit
News, Editorial, Published on 10/02/2025
» The Airports of Thailand (AoT) has reignited debate over whether smoking rooms should be reinstated inside the country's six major international airports. Citing passenger complaints, health hazards from illicit smoking in restrooms and potential damage to Thailand's tourism image, the AoT has asked the Public Health Ministry to amend regulations and permit designated indoor smoking areas.
Rise of the killer 'toys'
Oped, Editorial, Published on 31/05/2024
» As we celebrate World No Tobacco Day today, society, especially parents, are facing a new challenge -- the rise of young smokers and deceptively packaged but harmful tobacco products like "toy pods", the fifth generation of e-cigarettes designed to be both collectable and appealing to youngsters.
Vape issue has no easy fix
Oped, Editorial, Published on 08/02/2023
» The recent news of police extorting tourists for possessing e-cigarettes raises the question of whether it's time or not to legalise these electronic devices. But it's an issue that goes beyond limiting the income stream of crooked cops.
Vaping ban fails to do its job
News, Editorial, Published on 30/10/2022
» Despite Thailand's ban on e-cigarettes, they are easily available online. Worse, consumers are subject to heavy lobbying from the vaping industry, which spreads disinformation in its bid to end the ban. The government must put a stop to this dirty business.
Aiming to be smoke free
Oped, Editorial, Published on 31/05/2022
» Today marks World No Tobacco Day and this year marks a special milestone for the anti-tobacco movement in Thailand.
No smoke, but much ire
Oped, Editorial, Published on 07/10/2021
» Digital Economy and Society (DES) Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn is feeling the heat from his latest brainchild to legalise e-cigarettes. Mr Chaiwut upset health activists and anti-smoking campaigners after it was reported he was considering legalising their sale in the hope that the "vapers" can help smokers quit real cigarettes.
Govt in a fog on e-ciggies
News, Editorial, Published on 23/08/2019
» When rationalising his government's decision to maintain the ban on electronic cigarettes this week, Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha did not seem to get all the facts straight. And that explains why his government is insisting on keeping the ill-considered prohibition on e-cigarette use instead of regulating it.
Marijuana high jinks
News, Editorial, Published on 24/01/2018
» The government is still unable to articulate a coherent policy on currently illicit drugs. While there obviously is some support inside the cabinet to liberalise laws, no rational programme has yet emerged. Senior ministers up to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha refuse to touch the subject. And the same situation holds within the Royal Thai Police. Police departments concerned support a new policy of liberalisation but at headquarters, the police chief still can't get past the failed war on drugs.
No need for a rush on bans
News, Editorial, Published on 15/01/2018
» While most people agree with the statement that we live in a complicated world, a huge number argue for what they claim to be simple solutions. Nowhere is this more common than in addressing criminal, anti-social or harmful goods and behaviour. Some people favour strict laws that ban goods and behaviour. But bans almost never result in completely halting their target. In most cases, regulation beats bans hands down.