Thailand looks to raise tobacco-buying age to 20

Increasing to 20 the minimum age for buying cigarettes is one of a number of measures contained in a tobacco-control bill endorsed by Thailand’s cabinet on Tuesday, according to a story in The Bangkok Post.

In a move hailed by anti-smoking activists, the cabinet approved in principle legislation that would outlaw also the sale of individual cigarettes.

In addition, the bill would ban manufacturers and importers from sponsoring social activities and models from promoting tobacco products.

Deputy government spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkumnerd said on Tuesday that the draft bill would be sent to the Council of State to check that it adhered to guidelines issued by the World Health Organization.

If approved, the bill would replace the current tobacco-control and health-protection laws, which have been in effect since 1992.

Attempts to raise the minimum age of cigarette buyers began in 2011 in a move spearheaded by the Public Health Ministry.