I’m mostly thinking of westerners, but also Thai people - why does it seem like 80% of the former and 50% of the latter, smoke cigarettes? I don’t get it. 

I guess it is a cultural bakground thing. I know many offshore workers, sailors, and craftsmen came to Thailand especially those who is born before the 70’ies who is smoking. 
 

Most of those I frequently socialise with, do not smoke or smoke anymore. Smoking tobacco is a dying habit, at least I hope

'Cause they are addicted just like me!

Friction ?

I think OP's numbers 80/50% are way off.   My peers, family, friends and coworkers, and I guess  10% at most smoked.  Less so here, though I don't know that many folks here.  Can't think of anyone, in my family (USA) that smokes, that's alive.  Maybe 20 out there, still kicking.

 

But I also don't understand how anyone can smoke or use tobacco products.   There's simply too much negative information out there for anyone to even start smoking.

On 5/23/2023 at 7:37 PM, KhunLA said:

I think OP's numbers 80/50% are way off.

 

Go to Vietnam if you want to see what a lot of people smoking looks like.  It's still pretty rare in Thailand.

 

On 5/23/2023 at 7:37 PM, KhunLA said:

But I also don't understand how anyone can smoke or use tobacco products.   There's simply too much negative information out there for anyone to even start smoking.

 

The problem is, apart from people really liking smoking, is that it's a kind of "it won't happen to me", "it's only one cigarette", "I'll quit soon" kind of thing.

 

I actually just saw an interesting YouTube video on it.

 

 

Because they don’t have all the liberal Karens of the world over here dictating how people should live their lives.

 

Liberals: I don’t like smoking so NOBODY should smoke.

 

Conservatives:  I don’t like smoking so I don’t buy cigarettes.

 

See the difference?

4 hours ago, G_Money said:

Because they don’t have all the liberal Karens of the world over here dictating how people should live their lives.

 

Liberals: I don’t like smoking so NOBODY should smoke.

 

Conservatives:  I don’t like smoking so I don’t buy cigarettes.

 

See the difference?

 

i smoked until i started working in a hospital that treated lung cancer patients. quit pretty quick after that. 

I'd say that 90% of Thai male adults (not well educated)  probably smoke. I guess it's cheap, & they're addicted now. They possibly think it's cook & manly too. 

As for me, it's a disgusting habit! 

I’ve noticed that smoking seems pretty common in a lot of places. For example, when I was in Thailand, it felt like a lot of people were smoking, and the same goes for Western countries where it's still pretty prevalent. It’s often tied to social habits, stress, and sometimes even cultural norms. Plus, in some areas, smoking isn't as heavily regulated or discussed as it might be elsewhere. Personal experience and environment play a big role in why smoking habits can vary so much.