PM Prayut urged to drop tobacco control bill

[webfact]

PM urged to drop tobacco control bill
The Nation



Despite farmers' protest, health minister says it will stop many youths smoking

BANGKOK: -- TOBACCO FARMER associations urged Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha yesterday to put a brake on the tobacco control bill, which is now on its way to a Cabinet meeting.

The bill, if legislated, would increase the minimum age of cigarette buyers from 18 to 20 years, ban the sale of packet-less cigarettes, and prohibit the display of cigarettes at shops and stores.

The associations are fighting against the bill on grounds it threatens to hurt the country's tobacco industry and adversely affect all involved - from tobacco farmers, retailers, importers to manufacturers.

"The drafting of the bill does not take into account our opinions," the associations' co-ordinator Kittitas Panaphathong said.

He said tobacco farmers had expressed opposition to the bill since its drafting began in 2012 because it would prescribe too harsh measures.

"Please withdraw it from the Cabinet meeting. Please consult all relevant parties first," he said.

His group submitted the petition through a complaint-receiving office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives.

The move followed a walkout by tobacco farmers' representatives at a meeting with ministers on Monday.

Present at the meeting were Public Health Minister Rajata Rajatanavin and Deputy Agriculture and Cooperative Minister Amnuay Patise.

Thai Tobacco Trade Association's executive Varaporn Namat said while her group had nothing against increasing the minimum age of cigarette buyers, it could not understand why the bill would try to ban the sale of packet-less cigarettes and display of cigarettes.

"Some smokers have tried to cut down on smoking by not buying the whole packet of cigarettes. On the display of cigarettes, I must note that the Public Health Ministry already requires cigarette packets to have large pictorial warnings about adverse health impacts from smoking," she said.

Kris Phathong, who heads the Tobacco Farmers and Traders Association of Chiang Mai, lamented that authorities should ask for opinions from growers.

Rajata, however, defended the bill saying that if it took effect, it would likely reduce the number of new young smokers by 100,000 a year. "Research shows if we can prevent children from smoking, we will be able to save Bt156,000 in medical costs and economic losses [per person]," he said.

Laryngetomees Association in Thailand president Karun Trakoolpadejkrai insisted the bill should go ahead because current laws have not kept pace with cigarette firms' new strategies. His group and many medical associations support the tobacco control bill.

"I don't want to see children suffer from smoking dangers," Karun said. Many people lose their larynx because of smoking, he said.

Prof Somsri Pausawasdi, who chairs a group for a smoking-free Thailand, said more than 100,000 people had signed their names in support of the bill. "Our network has about 700 organisational members and allies."

Asst Prof Lakkhana Termsirikulchai, a former lecturer at Mahidol University, said the bill would not really affect growers as more than half of Thai tobacco is exported.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/national/PM-urged-to-drop-tobacco-control-bill-30251832.html


-- The Nation 2015-01-14

[jaidam]

Which type of tobacco grows well in this climate? I was thinking to try growing some oriental and virginia plants to blend my own rollie tobacco. I'd be happy with a finished product that resembles the green Cat tins.

[keith101]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

[smutcakes]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

With a large amount of the population with little or no options, i expect they care a damn site more about putting food on the table for their family.

[lucky11]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

How about getting the farmers to grow organic brown rice instead, as that would improve people's health and not wreck their lives.

[smutcakes]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

How about getting the farmers to grow organic brown rice instead, as that would improve people's health and not wreck their lives.

What is the local and world demand for organic brown rice? No point in growing something which is difficult to sell in large quantities.

I have no idea what demand is for BOR so perhaps this is a good idea.

[englishoak]

Love the monks in the pic, such a moral lot.

[maidee]

hope they do this with alcohol also

and guns

[Gentmartin]

Great move by the Thai govt. One proviso though, let them sell the little split packets but make them buy little bags that show a warning and are greyed out. I smoke much less because i buy 3 at a time as opposed to a full packet.

Brown organic rice, top plan. It would be a great campaign to try and steer people towards eating more natural brown rice as opposed to the bleached nutrient free white stuff.

[razer]

Well, the competition could care less. They have already been forced out of the market by Thai legislation. Get on with it big boy.

[jaywalker]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

So as usual, it's always "For the children" when it come to yet further, and further government control.

Pfff! It's not like this new "Law" would be enforced anyhow.

They can't keep motorcycles off sidewalks, keep helmets on motorcycle driver's heads, nor stop murders from happening, although all are "against the law".

[jaywalker]

hope they do this with alcohol also

and guns

And...and...and... 1 liter fountain drinks by God!

The NERVE of some people, wanting to buy what could, potentially, might, may, be harmful!

Gimme a break...

While we're at it, banning things that is, why not ban all balconies in Pattaya? I'd wager they are the root cause of more deaths there than smoking.

[Robby nz]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

How about getting the farmers to grow organic brown rice instead, as that would improve people's health and not wreck their lives.

The land tobacco is grown on is not suitable for growing rice of any sort, however there are alternate crops, whether they would give as good an income I wouldn't know.

No I don't smoke and think its a disgusting addiction.

[gemini81]

hope they do this with alcohol also

and guns

Yeah, just take away all your freedoms and choices. Brilliant Mao.

[45slap]

Butt out! Let people smoke however they choose. Worry about corruption, graft, necklace snatchers, knives, guns, and bombs. Worry about young rich kids in expensive cars; kids begging on the streets and selling crap in bars. Butt out of MY smoking business. UP2ME!

[jaywalker]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

How about getting the farmers to grow organic brown rice instead, as that would improve people's health and not wreck their lives.

The land tobacco is grown on is not suitable for growing rice of any sort, however there are alternate crops, whether they would give as good an income I wouldn't know.

No I don't smoke and think its a disgusting addiction.

I was just thinking today I need to plant a few bushes.

I bet they'd grow good in a big pot with the right kind of soil mixture.

Probably illegal for some unknown 1929 law that hasn't been enforced since 1929.

Does anybody have a cop friend that knows the answer?

Is it legal to grow a few tobacco bushes for private use?

I'd be willing to wager a beer that that they HAVE NO EARTHLY IDEA whether it's legal or not, but they could make something up real quick, since the question has probably never arisen.

I wouldn't know a tobacco bush if you smacked me upside the head with it & doubt they would either.

I'm sure there are a million Youtube videos showing how to cure the stuff though.

[ttthailand]

Big business wanting 100% of market....

[Dogmatix]

The arguments against scrapping these long delayed law have no merit whatsoever. Selling single sticks encourages children to start smoking. It doesn't help people who are already addicted to the stupid and obnoxious habit give it up. What nonsense.

Please enact the law forthwith, generals.

[CajunCruiser]

The modest steps in this proposed legislation are a good start, not too intrusive. The cost to the nation of this originally farang addiction is staggering.

[Araiwa]

the government should give those selfish tobacco growers some other options to earn money. Get rid of smoking, get rid of beer and booze.

[seajae]

in Australia they are not allowed to display the cigarettes at all and now they have to be in plain packaging, doesnt stop the smokers from buying them so why all the bitching. The reason behind it is that smoking and smoking related diseases are responsible for so many deaths and health costs but obviously smokers/tobacco growers dont give a sh*t about anyone else. I stopped smoking in the 90's due to health concerns so I know that the addiction can be tossed and I smoked for 30 years before giving up, its do-able. The govt is doing the right thing but as said elsewhere, I doubt that it will be enforced if it is passed in legislation, profits are more important so the shop keepers will continue selling to everyone in what ever amounts.

[halloween]

Literally, a dying habit. Getting to the stage in oz where you'll only be allowed to smoke in your own toilet, and only if you've installed an approved extraction filtration system.

[Jonmarleesco]

'"The drafting of the bill does not take into account our opinions," ... co-ordinator Kittitas Panaphathong said ... Please consult all relevant parties first ..."' Given that that consultation should include children and all non-smokers, who are fully entitled to inhabit an environment free of secondhand smoke, I'm sure we're all ears, Khun Kittitas, as to how that might work.

[JOC]

Love the monks in the pic, such a moral lot.

Meanwhile back at the temple:

[JOC]

hope they do this with alcohol also

and guns

Yeah, just take away all your freedoms and choices. Brilliant Mao.

Oh the irony!!

Coming from a poster, who don't believe in elections.

So the Thai people should not be able to choose their government, but enjoy the freedom to kill/get killed or drink themselves to death!!

Makes sense............................

[Longstaff]

These farmers should have seen the writing on the wall; instead they avoid thinking about their own future and will now blame others for change that any fool can see coming. There is a global war against smoking and while Thailand lags behind many countries on this issue, it will eventually catch up. The world is a better place in those countries where you can now enjoy a beer, ride on a bus / train, go to a concert / movie etc without inhaling someone else's smoke and needing to wash all your clothes because they stink. Accept that a new reality is on its way and put your energy into researching new crops...the opium growers adapted to change, and tobacco growers elsewhere have been forced to adjust their land use. By all means Dear Leader put some resources into assisting the farmers to select something worthwhile to grow instead.

And to those who choose to smoke please do two things: Firstly pick up your own fag ends instead of dropping them in the soi outside my restaurant for me to pick up. And secondly make sure you take responsibility for ALL your own healthcare costs, wherever in the world you may be.

[ratcatcher]

For those not familiar with the system :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thailand_Tobacco_Monopoly

The government giveth and the government taxeth and taketh away.

Commercial sex is not yet taxed although the business is not strictly illegail in Thailand.

[Thai at Heart]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

How about getting the farmers to grow organic brown rice instead, as that would improve people's health and not wreck their lives.

The land tobacco is grown on is not suitable for growing rice of any sort, however there are alternate crops, whether they would give as good an income I wouldn't know.

No I don't smoke and think its a disgusting addiction.

All over Isaan oriental tobacco is grown on padis. It makes a fantastic margin, which in some parts of the country ends up in the hands of middle men and consolidators.

Edited January 14, 2015 by Thai at Heart

[WheresWaldo]

The hell of it is that out in the villages (90% of Thailand) age limits mean nothing. I can send a six year old down to the corner to buy a bottle rice whiskey at any time of the day or night.

These restrictions are nothing but an inconvenience for law abiding citizens, like the no alcohol sales before 11 a.m. or after 2:00 p.m. It keeps me from buying a good bottle of scotch during those hours, but, again, I can buy the rot gut in the village 24 hours a day. And just where do you think the problem lies?

[h90]

so as usual the farmers only care more about their wallets than the health of the people .

I never heard of farmer forcing someone who don't want to smoke into smoking.

I think it should be everyones free decision if he wants to do something unhealthy or not.