Across Asia, governments are increasingly adopting prohibitionist policies rather than embracing tobacco harm reduction (THR) strategies. Countries like Thailand and India, have banned safer alternatives such as vapes and nicotine pouches, despite global evidence showing these products help smokers quit.
In Thailand, a new type of vapes, known as toy pods, are raising concerns due to their child-friendly design resembling cartoon characters, toys, and stationery items. Introduced to the Thai market in mid-2024, these disposable vapes are available in various flavours like strawberry, mango, and blueberry, and sold at a mere 99 baht (US$2.92), naturally making them attractive to children.
These toy pods are also easily accessible near schools and online platforms, hence authorities are being urged to strengthen regulations to prevent children’s access to these products. Meanwhile, Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has announced a nationwide crackdown on vaping products, warning that officials involved in illegal sales will face serious consequences.
Enforcement and corruption concerns
Jirayu spoke of the fact that some shops were located near schools, with reports suggesting officials accepted bribes to ignore illegal sales. He urged investigations into law enforcement agencies, comparing the issue to how illegal gambling operations are sometimes overlooked.
Additionally, officials reported that potent drugs are being mixed into e-cigarettes, leading to youth fatalities and lung perforation cases, with some users as young as 14 years old. Jirayu proposed creating a dedicated task force to combat illegal e-cigarette sales, emphasizing the need for immediate and strict enforcement.
Similarly, across the continent, Hong Kong authorities are planning to enforce a citywide ban on the possession of vape cartridges in public spaces, following growing concerns about vape cartridges being used to conceal a new illicit substance called “space oil.”
Prohibition has never worked
Meanwhile, Tobacco harm reduction (THR) experts have consistently stressed that the most effective way to combat illicit activities and prevent teen vaping, while decreasing smoking rates, is by striking a balance between regulation and accessibility. Rather than implementing harsh restrictions or outright bans, such as the current one in Thailand, authorities should adopt targeted policies that prevent youth access while ensuring that safer alternatives remain available for adult smokers.
Evidence shows that products like vapes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco significantly reduce health risks compared to combustible cigarettes. Hence, sweeping bans, flavour bans, excessive taxes, and other prohibitive restrictions, often push smokers back to cigarettes or drive them toward unregulated black markets. Instead of prioritizing harm reduction to reduce smoking-related deaths, Asia’s growing anti-vaping stance is widening the gap between public health policies and evidence-based solutions that could save millions of lives.
Experts advocate for strict age verification systems, education campaigns, and responsible marketing controls as more effective strategies to protect young people without blocking life-saving alternatives for smokers. This balanced approach encourages smokers to switch to less harmful products while keeping them out of reach for minors, ultimately benefiting public health.
