A network of e-cigarette users in Thailand is urging the new government to reevaluate the country's e-cigarette ban. Official statistics reveal that the number of users has surged from approximately 78,742 in 2021 to about 900,000 in 2024, despite the longstanding prohibition. The group argues that the ban has not curbed usage but instead driven it underground, complicating regulation and safety efforts. Get today's headlines by email The call for policy review follows reports that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is preparing to endorse a new Cabinet lineup. Asa Saligupta, representing the network and a former parliamentary committee member on e-cigarette legislation, highlighted the ineffectiveness of the current ban. He argued that the significant rise in users under strict laws demonstrates the persistent consumer demand and the state’s inability to regulate the market effectively, including in terms of product quality and youth access. Saligupta emphasized the dangers of the unregulated market, comparing it to controlled substances like cigarettes and alcohol that have clear legal frameworks. The illicit market poses increased public health risks as the government struggles to verify product standards and prevent youth access. Despite numerous crackdowns, there is no evidence that arrests and seizures have decreased the number of users, according to the network. Looking ahead, the network advocates for the government to design a more effective policy based on data. They suggest that bringing e-cigarettes under state regulation could mitigate societal harm. A special House committee previously examined the ban's impacts and concluded that legalizing and regulating e-cigarettes was a widely supported option, reported The Thaiger. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · The Thaiger · 25 Mar 2026
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