Author
Asst Prof Dr. Juthamas Thirawat
Organisation/Institution
Thammasat University, Faculty of Law
Country
THAILAND
Panel
Law and Society
Title
Electronic Cigarettes: Critical Challenges to Thailand’s Public Health and National Security
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) pose significant health risks to Thailand’s youth, who are the primary targets of the industry. Currently, e-cigarettes are marketed with alluring toy-like designs, featuring bright, cartoon-style colors, and tempting flavors. As reported by the World Health Organization (WHO), Thailand has become an example of a new wave of youth addiction. The use of e-cigarettes among children aged 13 to 15 has risen significantly, and some first-time users are as young as six years old. Numerous international research studies show that exposure to e-cigarettes containing unsafe particles and chemicals may lead to lung injury, cardiovascular disorders, and cancer. Nicotine, a key component of e-cigarettes, is highly addictive and harmful to brain development, especially among children and teenagers. While traditional cigarettes cause gradual health decline, e-cigarettes can trigger immediate health deterioration in young people. This represents an emerging challenge to the public health and national security of Thailand, as the next generation faces increasing health risks. Therefore, Thailand should strengthen its ban on e-cigarettes. Although existing legislation prohibits the import, sale, and production for sale of e-cigarettes for commercial purposes, these regulations are scattered across more than three different laws. Moreover, they do not address individual possession, which creates reluctance among school authorities seeking to confiscate and properly dispose of e-cigarettes through established rules and protocols. Nor do they specify the duties and responsibilities of online platforms. Consequently, social media advertisements by influencers continue to normalize e-cigarettes and boost their appeal to young people. To fill these regulatory gaps, diverse international approaches to controlling e-cigarettes in the United States, China, and Singapore were examined to help formulate guidelines for Thailand. This article provides policy recommendations, proposes potential legal amendments to strengthen the ban, and suggests practical approaches for law enforcement.
Biography
Dr. Juthamas Thirawat is an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Law, Thammasat University. She teaches courses on Juristic Acts and Contracts, Consumer Protection Law, Law on Electronic Transactions, and Information Technology. Juthamas received her LL.B. with first-class honors from Chulalongkorn University in 2011 and an LL.M. in Business Law from Thammasat University with the best academic performance of the year in 2013. She obtained a second LL.M. from the University of California, Berkeley, with the Dean’s List in 2017. She earned her S.J.D. from the Georgetown University Law Center in 2022, and her doctoral thesis won the Outstanding Thesis Award: Excellent Level from the National Research Council of Thailand in 2023. Juthamas’ contributions extend to both academia and research. Her recent publications include reports for UNCTAD and ASEAN, as well as articles that address contemporary challenges in e-commerce laws, showcasing her commitment to advancing legal frameworks in Thailand and the ASEAN region. With over 10 years of experience in the fields of consumer protection and e-commerce, Juthamas has served the government in various organizations, with roles including advising the Office of the Consumer Protection Board on developing MOUs with other countries, reviewing consumer complaints for the National Broadcasting and Telecommunication Commission, and drafting the Electronic Transaction and Platform Economy Bills for the Office of the Council of State.
