Amended tobacco consumption draft put on hold

[Thaivisa News]

Bangkok: – The government has ordered a review of the draft amendments for Tobacco Consumption Control Act, saying the draft should be debated among parties concerned.

The draft, sponsored by the Public Health Ministry, is designed for strict control of tobacco product.

Proponents include health advocates and non-governmental organisations. Opponents contend that the draft fails to factor in economic impacts and that parties concerned have not had their say in the matter.

Deputy Prime Minister YongyuthYuthavong said the Public Health Ministry should conduct a hearing on the draft before asking for the government approval.

The National Tobacco Committee is scheduled to meet and discuss the next step on the draft as per Yongyuth’s instruction.

The network of eight Tobacco Growers, Curers and Traders Associations has lobbied for the draft review.

The tobacco growers argue that the amendments, if enacted, would adversely impact on their livelihood.

Thai production of tobacco leaves is 54 million tons per year, of which 18.7 million tons are destined for exports.

The tobacco plantations generate about 2.3 billion baht in earnings for 52,000 families of tobacco farmers.

The hasty enactment of the draft would cause hardship to tobacco farmers as well as 600, 000 to 800, 000 retail vendors.

Key draft amendments include ban on the sale of tobacco products to the under 20, ban on minor vendors and ban on the sale of less than 20 cigarettes per transaction.

The fine for cigarette smoking violation will increase from 2, 000 baht to 5, 000 baht. All cigarette advertisements, including promotion gifts, will be prohibited.

[WinnieTheKhwai]

Seems like a sensible policy actually.. Aside of course from the fact that it results in another unenforceable measure, but that doesn't typically stop lawmakers with other laws either.

Crucially, it doesn't even raise prices further on tobacco products.

[bassman]

^^

That was covered in another piece of junta plans earlier this week.

[Broeno]

If the tobacco farmers change in to growing mariuana, they will have a better income. Produced as a medicine it helps against chronical pain and eases the mind. In the sixties i already learned that " a joint a day keeps the doctor away "

[Thai at Heart]

Incredible hypocritical back down.

[FangFerang]

"that parties concerned have not had their say in the matter"

Parties concerned have not had their say in matters since May 2013.

[BudRight]

'The measure would raise the smoking fine from 2,000 to 5,000 baht.'

Since the fine is only ever used to harass foreigners then yeah this 'measure' sucks balls.

[hawker9000]

It's all just pi$$ing in the wind. 'Part of the political process. Naturally the growers are going to squeal. What would you expect? But the trend is clear.