At the request of the Royal Thai Government, the Joint Needs Assessment for the implementation of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) was carried out in Thailand on June 12 – 16, 2023 by the Convention Secretariat in partnership with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH), WHO FCTC Knowledge Hub for Article 5.3, UNDP and WHO Thailand. The Joint Needs Assessment exercise aims to identify needs, resources available and gaps in the implementation of WHO FCTC, and to provide recommendations on how to address these gaps. Multi-sectoral tobacco control stakeholders in Thailand participated, gathering crucial insights, and identifying progress and challenges. The assessment highlighted Thailand's strengths in tobacco control but also emphasized the need to address critical obstacles.
Through extensive bilateral meetings with concerned ministries (health, finance, interior and education), civil society organizations, Thai Health and UN agencies, valuable information was collected during the assessment. These insights and recommendations serve as a driving force for the sustained and strong commitment of Thailand to combat tobacco use and prioritize the well-being of its citizens.
The Joint Needs Assessment team was welcomed by the Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, MoPH © MoPH 2023.
Bilateral meeting between the Deputy-Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior (MOI) and the Joint Needs Assessment team to learn about the role of MOI on tobacco control © MOI 2023.
The CEO of Thai Health Promotion Foundation met with the Joint Needs Assessment team to share information on the administration of funds raised through health taxes © Thai Health 2023.
Needs assessment: Demonstrating Commitment and Advancing Measures
Thailand's strengths in implementing tobacco and e-cigarette control measures are revealed in the Joint Assessment, along with critical obstacles that require immediate attention. The establishment of the "Knowledge Centre for Section 5.3" aims to actively monitor tobacco industries interfering with state policies. Thailand is strongly urged to ratify the protocol against illicit tobacco product trafficking based on the findings from the joint assessment.
Thailand's commendable commitment to tobacco control prioritizes public health over economic considerations, with a comprehensive tobacco product control act and robust efforts from the MoPH. Collaboration among various agencies, including the National Tobacco Product Control Board, recognizes the comprehensive nature of effective tobacco control. Additionally, Thailand’s advanced tax policy has successfully reduced tobacco consumption, surpassing set targets.
However, challenges remain in achieving effective interagency coordination despite multi-sectoral collaboration. Streamlining efforts and improving communication between national and provincial agencies are crucial for efficient implementation. Further enhancements are needed in adjusting tax rates to account for inflation and discouraging the use of cheaper tobacco products. Supporting tobacco farmers in transitioning to sustainable alternative crops and maintaining the e-cigarette ban are also areas requiring attention.
Recommendations for Thailand’s Tobacco Control Efforts
The mission proposes recommendations to address five key issues in accordance with the WHO FCTC guidelines. These include:
- Accelerating the understanding and implementation of policies to protect public policies against tobacco industry interference (Article 5.3 of the WHO FCTC).
- Continuing the ban on importing and selling e-cigarettes, backed by the WHO, to protect the health and well-being of children and young people.
- Supporting local governments in implementing and enforcing effective tobacco control measures through the Provincial Tobacco Products Control Board, tailored to the specific needs and circumstances of each region.
- Preparing information for the ratification of the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products and implementing the best practices on tax policies for tobacco control, especially increasing the roll-your-own tobacco tax rate.
Thailand’s Joint Needs Assessment reflects its commitment to public health and tobacco control. Leveraging the findings and recommendations, Thailand strives to enhance its efforts, setting an example for the region and fostering a healthier nation.
United for a Tobacco-Free Future: Leaders and stakeholders come together at the National Tobacco Product Control Board Meeting at MoPH to reinforce their commitment to combatting tobacco use and safeguarding public health © MoPH 2023
Establishment of the Knowledge Centre to Prevent Policy Interference from Tobacco Companies:
Thailand's commitment to tobacco control and global leadership in public health is underscored by the establishment of the "Knowledge Centre for Article 5.3 of the WHO-FCTC." In addition to the Joint Needs Assessment, a MOU signing ceremony involving Thammasat University, Mahidol University, and the WHO-FCTC was organized. The knowledge centre will serve as a crucial platform to counter the industry's influence and enhance tobacco control measures on a global scale.
(L-R) Professor Banchong Mahaisavariya, M.D., Director of Mahidol University; Associate Professor Gasinee Witoonchart, Director of Thammasat University; and Dr. Adriana Blanco Marquizo, Head of the Secretariat of the WHO-FCTC, display the signed MoU, symbolizing their unwavering commitment to combat tobacco use © WHO 2023
Read more: