The major-general said the ministry had claimed the easy availability of e-cigarettes and hookahs was enticing youngsters who would not even consider smoking normal cigarettes into taking up the habit. He added that the Commerce Ministry had also had its input and said that the two forms of smoking were harmful for people’s health.
The ban also covers the import of flavourings that are commonly used with the two smoking contraptions. Although the new law prohibits the import of the articles, it does not apply to the public consumption of them and smokers can still enjoy a puff in designated smoking areas.
Hookahs are a large water pipe and are known as baraku in Thailand. Although they are not seen verywhere, they are available in certain zones in the country where there are lots of tourists. In Bangkok there are a number of cafés in Pratu Nam, Soi Nana and Khaosan Road where baraku are openly smoked.
Thailand prohibits hookah and e-cig imports
News in Asia
Thailand’s government has endorsed a recommendation banning the importation of e-cigarettes and Middle-Eastern style hookah tobacco pipes. Announcing the ban, government spokesperson Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government had followed the advice of the Thai Public Health Ministry.