Lao Shuts Down Nearly 300 Online Vape Stores in Joint Crackdown with WHO and Meta

Nov.20

In a coordinated effort with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Meta, the Lao Ministry of Health has taken 288 online e-cigarette stores with more than 759,599 members offline, reinforcing the country’s total ban on e-cigarettes under the National Tobacco Control Law.

Key Points

Ban Background: Lao PDR introduced a total ban on e-cigarettes in 2021.
Joint Enforcement: Carried out with WHO and Meta to remove illegal online sellers.
Impact: 288 online stores removed, with over 759,000 users affected.
Government Statement: Lao PDR upholds zero tolerance toward harmful products.
Legal Update: New decree introduces penalties for online tobacco and vape sales.

2Firsts — November 20, 2025 — According to The Lao Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and Meta, has removed 288 online stores promoting or selling e-cigarettes, reaching a combined membership of more than 759,599 users.

The enforcement action builds on the 2021 amendment to the Lao National Tobacco Control Law, which bans the import, distribution, sale, and use of e-cigarettes and related products, placing Lao PDR among just over 35 countries worldwide with such comprehensive legislation.

“This joint action delivers both a notable disruption to the online e-cigarette trade and a strong message that Lao PDR will not tolerate illicit sales that harm our people’s health,” said H.E. Dr. Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Vice Minister of Health.

Dr. Phonepraseuth Sayamoungkhoun, Director General of the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, noted that while physical sales have declined, sellers have moved online. “To address this, the Ministry worked with WHO and Meta to identify and remove accounts violating Lao law and Meta’s community standards,” he said.

WHO Representative Dr. Timothy Armstrong hailed the operation as a powerful example of collaboration between governments, technology firms, and public health agencies. “Digital platforms must not become safe spaces for harmful products,” he said.

The Lao government is simultaneously updating the Prime Minister’s Decree on Tobacco Control Penalties, adding stricter provisions for:

Import, sale, and use of e-cigarettes;
Smoking in restricted areas;
Sale to minors;
Online advertising and promotion;
Accepting tobacco industry sponsorship.

Image source: World Health Organization Laos office.

References:

[1] Lao Ministry of Health & WHO collaboration sees online e-cigarette stores with 759,599 members taken offline

Also Read:

[1] Laos Government Plans to Classify E-cigarettes as Addictive Substances

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