BANGKOK, May 31 (TNA) – The Minister of Public Health opened the World No Tobacco Day activities, saying the number of young smokers is still high in Thailand.
Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn presented awards to individuals and organizations for their contributions to control tobacco consumption during the event.
The minister said the number of young smokers was on the rise despite continuing anti-smoking campaigns in the past 10 years.
It is estimated that there are currently about 10 million smokers in Thailand. Second-hand smoke increases health risks such as lung cancer for non-smokers.
He said Thailand has implemented several anti-smoking measures such as visual warnings on cigarette packages and tax measures.
The World Health Organization has campaigned for equalization of tax rates on imported and locally produced cigarettes in every country to encourage people to quit smoking.
He said the National Committee for Control of Tobacco will meet on June 5 to discuss tax measures for cigarettes. (TNA)
