Key points:

• Informants may receive up to 60% of the fine imposed for e-cigarette violations.
• Tips can be submitted via a dedicated government app.
• The Prime Minister said the program is designed to reduce vaping in public spaces and protect community health.

Thailand has launched an aggressive new program designed to curb the country’s rapidly growing vaping market by rewarding citizens who report instances of e-cigarette use.

The initiative, announced by the Prime Minister’s Office Wednesday and widely covered by local media, is being called “a bold move in the government’s ongoing efforts to address public health challenges associated with vaping.”

Under the new scheme, individuals who submit valid tips through a government app regarding the use of vaping products in public places can earn cash rewards. The rewards are based on a percentage of the fine imposed on offenders.

For example, if an e-cigarette user is caught in violation of the law and fined 5,000 baht (approximately US$147), the informant responsible for the tip could receive up to 60% of that amount—equating to around 3,000 baht.

Officials say the program is part of a broader strategy aimed at reducing the prevalence of vaping, which has been linked to rising health concerns in the country. By incentivizing citizens to help enforce existing regulations, the government hopes to create a community-driven approach to public health enforcement.

Authorities believe that increasing public involvement can serve as an effective deterrent against e-cigarette use, particularly in areas where traditional enforcement methods may fall short.

It should be noted that several highly researched reports have found vaping to be an effective tool to help combustible smokers quit. Adult smoking prevalence in Thailand is 19%. The number of adult smokers in Thailand is 11,091,733. 

Critics, however, have raised concerns about the potential for misuse of the program, suggesting that it might lead to false reports or unwarranted penalties. Nevertheless, government spokespeople maintain that strict verification procedures are in place to ensure that only credible and accurate reports result in fines and subsequent rewards.

The government claims that the initiative will not only reduce the use of e-cigarettes in public but also help to reinforce broader public health policies aimed at protecting citizens, especially young people, from the risks associated with vaping.

Public health experts have welcomed the move as a proactive measure, noting that innovative approaches are essential in addressing modern public health challenges. However, the Thai government’s However, success of this initiative will likely depend on effective implementation and the ability of authorities to accurately verify reported violations, which seems unlikely.