By Timothy S. Donahue
Top Takeaways:
- Classified as tobacco: Thailand’s Health Ministry says nicotine pouches fall under the Tobacco Products Control Act.
- Display and promotion banned: Products cannot be displayed, promoted, gifted, or used in sales promotions at retail.
- Enforcement risk remains: Even lawfully taxed products can trigger prosecution if sold or marketed in violation of the law.
Thailand’s Public Health Ministry has warned that nicotine pouches, including white pouches and snus, are legally classified as tobacco products and must fully comply with the country’s tobacco control laws, including strict bans on display and promotion.
The warning was issued by the Ministry of Public Health’s Disease Control Department after authorities received complaints about the sale and marketing of nicotine pouches.
Deputy Director General Dr. Suthat Chottanapund said the products fall under the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017), which imposes comprehensive restrictions on the sale and promotion of tobacco products.
“As these products are considered tobacco products under the law, they are strictly prohibited from being displayed or promoted at points of sale,” Suthat said.
He added that any product display, prominent placement, or communication that could be interpreted as a sales promotion would violate the Act. Offering nicotine pouches as free gifts or exchanging them for other goods is also prohibited.
Dr. Chayanan Sittibusaya, Acting Senior Medical Expert and Director of the Office of the Tobacco Products Control Committee, emphasized that retailers must comply with the same storage requirements that apply to cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco.
“Businesses are required to store these products out of sight, in the same manner as cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco,” Chayanan said.
Authorities emphasized that compliance with tax obligations does not supersede promotional restrictions. Even products that have been lawfully taxed remain subject to the Act’s advertising, display, and sales-promotion bans.
“Even if the products have been lawfully taxed, any sale or promotional activity that does not comply with the Act is still illegal and could result in prosecution,” Chayanan said.
Thailand has one of the region’s most restrictive tobacco control regimes, with long-standing bans on visible product displays and advertising. The ministry said enforcement will continue as officials monitor emerging nicotine products entering the market.
