Electronic cigarettes: Types, Impacts, and Measures for Policy Recommendations in Thailand

Abstract

Currently, electronic cigarettes have been developed with more attractive designs for users, making them increasingly popular in Thailand, especially among teenagers, with illegal sales and imports occurring. This academic article aims to: 1) examine the types and impacts of electronic cigarettes, 2) study electronic cigarette measures in Thailand and foreign countries, and 3) present policy recommendations for Thailand. The findings reveal that electronic cigarettes are divided into two categories: 1) electronic cigarettes without tobacco leaf components and 2) electronic cigarettes with tobacco components. Electronic cigarettes have three major impacts: 1) health effects on users, 2) environmental impacts, and 3) effects on bystanders. Regarding measures in Thailand, the country implements an absolute prohibition approach through multiple laws. Electronic cigarette regulations in foreign countries show variations in details, though all countries strictly prohibit advertising. The author proposes comprehensive policies including improving legal definitions, establishing specialized agencies, increasing penalties especially for sales to youth, conducting educational campaigns through schools and social media, establishing assistance centers, enhancing international cooperation, and considering conditional regulatory approaches specifically for smoking cessation purposes.