Thai Health Authorities: Nicotine Pouches Classified as Tobacco; Sales Must Comply with 2017 Act

Feb.02
Thailand’s Disease Control Department has warned that nicotine pouches (“Snus”) are classified as tobacco products and must comply with the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017). Officials said they have received complaints about sales and promotional activities, and stressed that these products must not be displayed or promoted at points of sale.

Key Points

 

  • Nicotine pouches (“Snus”) are classified as tobacco products in Thailand
  • Authorities cite complaints over sales and promotional activities
  • Point-of-sale display/promotion is prohibited, including prominent placement
  • Any communication that constitutes sales promotion may be unlawful
  • Free gifts and exchanges for other goods are also prohibited

 


 

2Firsts, FEB. 2, 2026

 

According to Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health Disease Control Department, nicotine pouches—commonly known as “Snus”—are classified as tobacco products, meaning their sale and promotion must strictly comply with applicable laws.

 

Deputy Director General Dr Suthat Chottanapund said the department has received complaints concerning the sale and promotional activities involving these products. He added that such conduct may violate multiple laws, particularly the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017).

 

Because nicotine pouches are treated as tobacco products, Dr Suthat said they are strictly prohibited from being displayed or promoted at points of sale. Any product display, prominent placement, or communication that constitutes sales promotion would be considered a violation. Offering the products as free gifts or exchanging them for other goods is also illegal.

 

Dr Chayanan Sittibusaya, Acting Senior Medical Expert and Director of the Office of the Tobacco Products Control Committee, said businesses must store these products out of sight, in the same manner as cigarettes and roll-your-own tobacco.

 

He emphasized that even if the products have been lawfully taxed, sales or promotional activities that do not comply with the Act remain illegal and could result in prosecution.

Image source: Thai PBS

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn


Notice

1.  This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2.  The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3.  This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4.  Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

 

Copyright

 

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

 

AI Assistance Disclaimer

 

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

Warner Robins City Council Pauses New Vape Shop Licensing
Warner Robins City Council Pauses New Vape Shop Licensing
The Warner Robins City Council has unanimously approved a six-month moratorium on issuing new licenses for retail liquor package stores and businesses primarily selling vape, CBD, tobacco, and related products. The pause will remain in effect until June 2, 2026, unless further action is taken, while pending applications are exempt.
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Azerbaijan Parliament Passes E-cigarette Ban Bill in First Reading
Azerbaijan Parliament Passes E-cigarette Ban Bill in First Reading
Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis has approved, in its first reading, a bill that would ban the import, export, production, storage, wholesale and retail sale, and use of electronic cigarettes and their components. The bill amends the Law on Tobacco and Tobacco Products, classifying nicotine-containing e-cigarettes as tobacco products while explicitly excluding heated tobacco products. If adopted, the law would take effect on February 1, 2026.
Dec.22 by 2FIRSTS.ai
CBSA discloses seizure of 212,000 nicotine pouches at Pigeon River port of entry
CBSA discloses seizure of 212,000 nicotine pouches at Pigeon River port of entry
The Canada Border Services Agency said officers inspecting an incoming vehicle at the Pigeon River port of entry in June found 212,000 nicotine pouches and seized more than 29,000 Canadian dollars (about 21,170 U.S. dollars) in currency and cheques. A CBSA spokesperson disclosed the seizure this week in a Newswatch interview about enforcement operations over the past year.
Dec.30 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts Breaking | FDA to Hold PMTA Roundtable for Small ENDS Manufacturers, Spotlighting Small Business Applications
2Firsts Breaking | FDA to Hold PMTA Roundtable for Small ENDS Manufacturers, Spotlighting Small Business Applications
The FDA’s Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) will hold a PMTA roundtable on February 10, 2026, for small electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) manufacturers, seeking input on PMTA submission experiences and recommendations for streamlining and improving the review process.
Dec.24
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan adds “Electric Purple” to IQOS ILUMA i range, expands to convenience stores from Feb. 3
Philip Morris Japan (PMJ) said on Jan. 29 it has introduced “Electric Purple” as a new standard color option for its IQOS ILUMA i heated tobacco device lineup, covering three models with prices unchanged. The new color will be available from Jan. 29 via the company’s official online and store channels, with sales expanding to convenience stores and some tobacco retailers from Feb. 3.
Jan.29 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Product | VOZOL Mega 50K Launches in UK Channels: 18ml, 50,000-Puff Claim, Compliance Info Not Yet Public
Product | VOZOL Mega 50K Launches in UK Channels: 18ml, 50,000-Puff Claim, Compliance Info Not Yet Public
VOZOL's Vozol Mega 50K disposable e-cigarette debuts in UK, featuring 18ml e-liquid and 50,000 puff claim. Two versions available.
Dec.24 by 2FIRSTS.ai