Deputy Prime Minister YongyutnYuthawong reported on Wednesday that cabinet approved the tobacco draft act which will prohibit the sale of cigarettes to those under 20 years of age and raises the level of punishment for offenders.
Deputy Prime Minister YongyutnYuthawong said the draft act increased the minimum legal age for cigarette purchases from 18 to 20 years and prohibits the sale of individual cigarettes. The draft act also prohibits cigarette sales in some public places such as temples, public health facilities, schools and public parks, the deputy PM added.
The draft act bans cigarette companies from advertising their products as sponsors of contests and competitions. Cigarette advertising is banned in print and online media, TV and movies.The penalty of imprisonment for those who sell cigarettes to people under 20 years of age is increased from one month to one year and the fine for smokers in non-smoking areas is raised from 2,000 to 5,000 baht.