Cambodia Cracks Down on Shisha and E-Cigarette Use

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Cambodia has reinforced its nationwide ban on shisha pipes and e-cigarettes, citing growing concerns over youth health and social order. The directive, signed by Prime Minister Hun Manet on Tuesday and released to the media the following day, targets the widespread use of these products among children and students across the kingdom.

“This has a significant impact on social order and public health,” Hun Manet stated, warning that such devices could act as gateways to more dangerous substances. The ban now covers all aspects of the trade and use—including importation, sale, advertising, possession, and production—of electronic smoking devices and related chemicals.

The prime minister also instructed the Ministry of Education to enforce the ban in and around schools, dormitories, gyms, and other youth-focused facilities. The move builds on Cambodia’s original prohibition issued in 2014, which had seen limited enforcement until now.

Health officials have long warned of the dangers posed by e-cigarettes and shisha, noting their high nicotine content and frequent association with marijuana and other drugs. According to the Ministry of Health, these products can lead to severe lung disease, heart problems, infertility, and multiple forms of cancer.

The renewed crackdown reflects growing regional concern over vaping and shisha use among young people, as governments across Southeast Asia grapple with the public health risks posed by emerging smoking trends. Cambodia’s latest directive signals a firmer stance on enforcement, aiming to curb the spread of addiction and protect vulnerable communities.

-2025-10-23