Today, on May 31st, 2023, the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated it as World No Tobacco Day. This global observance aims to raise awareness about the hazards of smoking, with a particular emphasis on the health risks associated with smoking and the potential harm caused by secondhand smoke to non-smokers.
In Thailand, the Non-Smoking Campaign Foundation and the Tobacco Consumption Control Network are specifically addressing the issue of vaping, which they consider a significant and growing concern among the youth. As a result, the campaign slogan for World No Tobacco Day 2023 in Thailand is “E-cigarettes are toxic, addictive, dangerous.”
Thailand is known for having some of the strictest laws against vaping in the world, as mentioned by TPN. However, there are activists and groups advocating for its legalization, arguing that it can be a safer alternative to traditional cigarettes and can assist individuals in quitting smoking.
In Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt expressed his commitment to treating every day as a no-smoking day. His team will focus on enforcing smoking regulations throughout the city.
Although Thailand has numerous laws relating to smoking, their enforcement is often lax, leading to frequent complaints from non-smokers regarding individuals smoking in public areas, bars, restaurants, and other locations.
