Last updated: February 10, 2024
Sales Restrictions
Sale of single cigarettes/sticks
The Tobacco Products Control Act prohibits the manufacture and import of cigarettes "in packs or other containers of less than 20 cigarettes each." The law also prohibits the division of the contents of a pack of cigarettes for separate sale. The law is interpreted as prohibiting the sale of single cigarettes.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 in that the law prohibits the sale of single cigarettes.
Sale of tobacco products via vending machines
The Tobacco Products Control Act prohibits the sale of tobacco products via a vending machine.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13, the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines, and FCTC Art. 16 (sales to minors) with respect to vending machines.
Sale of tobacco products via the internet
The Tobacco Products Control Act prohibits the sale of tobacco products via electronic communications or a computer network. Therefore the sale of tobacco via the internet is prohibited.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 13 and the FCTC Art. 13 Guidelines with respect to internet sales of tobacco products.
Sale of smokeless tobacco products
Smokeless tobacco products may not be imported into Thailand. As a result, the regulatory status code "Banned" is given.
However, shredded tobacco is commonly used as a smokeless tobacco product.
Sale of waterpipe tobacco products
The law prohibits the sale and import of hookahs (waterpipe), substances used to fill hookahs, and services for smoking hookahs.
Location-based Sales Restrictions
Schools/educational facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in "an educational institution as defined in the National Education Act." The law further authorizes the Minister of Health to regulate the distance from educational facilities within which the sale of tobacco products is banned. Such regulations have not been promulgated.
Playgrounds
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in "a public park, a zoological park, or an amusement park." The law further authorizes the Minister of Health to regulate the distance from such establishments within which the sale of tobacco products is banned. Such regulations have not been promulgated.
Stadiums/arenas
The law does not regulate the sale of tobacco products in sports facilities.
Healthcare facilities
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in "a health care establishment as defined in the laws governing health care establishments, or a drug store as defined in the laws governing drugs." The law further authorizes the Minister of Health to regulate the distance from such establishments within which the sale of tobacco products is banned. Such regulations have not been promulgated.
Cultural facilities
The law does not regulate the sale of tobacco products in cultural or entertainment facilities.
Buddhist temple or other site where religious ceremonies are held
The law prohibits the sale of tobacco products in a Buddhist temple or other site where religious ceremonies are held.
Retail Package Size Restrictions
Minimum number of cigarette sticks per unit package
The Tobacco Products Control Act prohibits the manufacture or import of cigarettes in packs of less than 20.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 16 with respect to the sale of small packets of cigarettes.
Minimum weight of smokeless tobacco per unit package
Smokeless tobacco products may not be imported into Thailand. Therefore, this requirement is not applicable.
Minimum weight of shredded tobacco
Shredded tobacco is commonly used as a smokeless tobacco product. The Tobacco Products Control Act authorizes the Minister of Public Health to regulate the sale, including the minimum content, of types of tobacco products other than cigarettes. To date, the Minister has not promulgated regulations regarding the minimum weight of shredded tobacco.
Retail Licensing Requirements
Specific retail license or equivalent approval required to sell tobacco products
The law requires retail traders in tobacco products to obtain a license to sell tobacco products.
The law aligns with FCTC Art. 15 in that the law requires retailers to obtain a license or equivalent approval to sell tobacco products.