Bangkok: The government has ordered strict legal action against those selling "nicotine pouches" tobacco products online, in tourist areas, and in shopping malls, warning of the long-term dangers to brain function.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Airin Phanrit, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, revealed that nicotine pouches are currently being widely advertised and sold on social media and in tourist areas and shopping malls, making them easily accessible, especially to children and young people. Nicotine pouches contain a high concentration of nicotine, which is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, causing rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest tightness, and increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. They are also addictive and can negatively impact long-term brain development. The government has instructed relevant agencies to conduct strict investigations and enforce the law against offenders.
Ms. Airin said that advertising and selling nicotine pouches on social media is considered an offence under the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560, namely selling through electronic media (Section 27 (2)), in which case those who violate the law by selling tobacco products through electronic media are subject to imprisonment for not more than 3 months or a fine of not more than 30,000 baht, or both. As for selling in tourist areas and department stores, it is considered an offence under Section 36, paragraph one, which prohibits displaying tobacco products in retail places, with a fine of not more than 40,000 baht. In addition, if it is found that the display of the name and price of the product does not comply with the law, it is considered an offence under Section 36, paragraph two, with a fine of not more than 5,000 baht.
The government is requesting public cooperation. If you see any advertising or sale of nicotine pouches through electronic media or computer networks, please report it to the Tobacco Product Control Committee Office at 0 2590 3852. We reiterate our reminder that all retail businesses must strictly comply with the law by not selling or displaying unauthorized tobacco products, and must adhere to regulations regarding proper product display and pricing, in order to protect public health and reduce youth access to tobacco products.