Regional Director WHO, South-East, Dr. Poonam Singh
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has
commended the stronger tobacco control measures being adopted by
Thailand which has become the first in Asia, and the first middle-income
country to adopt plain packaging for tobacco products.
According to a statement by the Regional
Director WHO, South-East, Dr. Poonam Singh, noted that Thailand’s bold
steps against tobacco is commendable and reflects the country’s earnest
efforts in promoting health and well-being of its people.
He expressed confidence that the new
legislative announcement on plain packaging is the latest effort of Thai
government and adds to the Tobacco Control Act 2017.
He noted that the control Act 2017
enforces 20 years as the minimum age for purchasing tobacco, bans single
stick sale and bans tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship.
The statement further noted that plain
packaging of tobacco products restricts or prohibits the use of logos,
colours, brand images or promotional information on packaging other than
brand names and product names displayed in a standard colour and font
style.
Singh further noted that plain packaging
is an evidence-based policy being advocated by WHO Framework Convention
on Tobacco Control (FCTC), a legal treaty that aims to protect present
and future generation against the devastating health and socio-economic
impact of tobacco use.
According to him, “As per Thailand’s new
legislation, by September 2019 all tobacco products will have plain
packaging. Thailand already has graphic health warnings covering 85
percent packaging of tobacco products. Introduction of plain packaging
is expected to further boost the country’s tobacco control efforts
targeting the current and new users.
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