The initiative was highlighted at the first meeting of the Phuket Provincial Tobacco Product Control Committee for 2025, held on Friday (Dec 19) at the Phuket Provincial Public Health Office. The meeting was chaired by Phuket Deputy Governor Suwit Phansengiam, with committee members and experts in attendance to set policy direction and coordinate measures to systematically control tobacco products across the province.
The meeting endorsed the national ‘Thailand: Zero E-Cig’ policy for fiscal 2026, which aims to reduce e-cigarette use through increased public awareness of associated health risks, proactive inspections, and greater public participation in reporting illegal activities.
The Phuket Provincial Public Health Office reported that despite ongoing enforcement, Phuket continues to face challenges in restricting access to tobacco products, particularly among children and youth. As of Nov 11, 2025, the number of licensed tobacco retailers in the province had increased by 5.83%, underscoring continued accessibility concerns.
Officials reviewed current Thai laws relating to e-cigarettes, noting that three main agencies are responsible for control and enforcement. The Ministry of Commerce prohibits the import of e-cigarettes and related equipment; the Committee on the Safety of Goods and Services bans the production, sale, and provision of e-cigarette products; while the Customs Department and Royal Thai Police are tasked with taking legal action against smuggling, possession and illegal trade.
The committee also discussed five key provincial strategies: strengthening provincial-level mechanisms, stricter law enforcement and expansion of smoke-free environments, preventing youth smoking in educational institutions, expanding smoking-cessation services through hospitals, and developing model smoke- and alcohol-free communities.
Government agencies, health facilities, educational institutions, temples, transport hubs, airports and public spaces across Phuket were urged to fully implement smoke-free zones as required by law. The committee also called for cooperation in providing data for the second phase of a provincial study on tobacco control systems, which will be used to further refine policies and future operations.