Bangkok: A comprehensive discussion on the "Nicotine Free Generation" policy took place during the House Committee on Commerce meeting, which addressed the policy's potential impacts on tobacco farmers and the risk of increased smuggled cigarettes affecting government tax revenue.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Samrit Tansap, Chairman of the House of Representatives' Committee on Commerce and Intellectual Property, shared the results of the committee meeting that aimed to find systematic ways to support tobacco farmers and assess the policy's multifaceted impacts. The meeting involved relevant agencies, including the Department of Disease Control, the Excise Department, and the Tobacco Authority of Thailand, along with representatives from the tobacco farming community and the public health sector.
The "Nicotine Free Generation" policy, promoted by the Ministry of Public Health, seeks to prohibit individuals born after 2012 from purchasing nicotine products for life. This includes cigarettes, cigars, and other nicotine products, potentially affecting the tobacco industry and its stakeholders. The meeting emphasized that the policy should consider its broad impact on public health, the economy, and society. Lessons from countries like New Zealand, which repealed similar legislation due to concerns about black market growth, were also discussed.
Ms. Boonya Nachaiwiang Punnanittha, the committee's secretary, highlighted the importance of clarifying measures to prevent negative impacts, such as illegal cigarette sales, loss of tax revenue, and effects on workers in the tobacco industry supply chain. The Department of Disease Control stressed the need for these measures, citing studies on the health and economic impacts of smoking.
The Excise Department reported challenges with smuggled cigarettes, which have gained a price advantage following recent tobacco tax restructuring. Fiscal year 2025 saw 18,298 tobacco-related cases prosecuted, with over 4.8 million packs seized. In the first eight months of fiscal year 2026, 16,050 cases were prosecuted, seizing over 4.2 million packs, indicating a rising trend in illegal cigarette sales.
Representatives from the Thai Tobacco Farmers' Network highlighted the industry's significance, involving around 120,000 people. They urged the government to consider production impacts alongside public health goals and to develop measures addressing potential declines in tobacco demand. The meeting proposed promoting alternative crop cultivation with income guarantees to ensure a smooth transition for farmers.
The committee plans to gather input from all parties to consider policy approaches that balance public health objectives, government revenue, and support for farmers affected by changes in the tobacco industry.