See the latest information about the status of tobacco policies and facts about the tobacco epidemic in Thailand:
In Thailand, 48.5% of males and 2.9% of females smoke. Smoking has been characterized as a popular and accepted habit among Thai men. A Thai smoker will consume 813 cigarettes per year and the country produces 30,722 million sticks annually. The lower income population accounts for 74% of the entire smoking population. Among female smokers education level dramatically impacts smoking status as less educated women tend to smoke 20 times more than higher educated women.
Thailand ratified the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on November 8, 2004.
Restrictions on smoking in public places in Thailand are extensive and include public transportation, elevators, hospitals, education institutions and restaurants. The tobacco control community in partnership with the government seeks to declare Thailand a smoke-free country and is working to designate limited smoking zones throughout the country.
Tobacco products are taxed at 79% placing Thailand among the leading countries in tobacco taxation globally.
Health warning labels cover 50% of the front and back of cigarette packets and depict graphic images along with warnings on the ill health effects of tobacco use. Other tobacco products also contain health warning messages.
Advertising and promotion of tobacco products are not permitted. Tobacco companies have sought to undermine this policy by holding marketing events in rural areas where appropriate enforcement of existing legislation on advertising and promotion is less available.
Sources: Euromonitor, ACS: Tobacco Atlas (second edition), FCA