Smoking on the increase in Thailand despite public warnings

The number of smokers in Thailand is on the rise, with alarming figures such as a 21% increase from last year. Figures released on World No Tobacco Day reveal that as many as 50,000 people a year die from smoking related illnesses.

Her Royal Highness Princess Soamsawali opened World No Tobacco Day 2015 at Future Park Rangsit in Pathum Thani yesterday. The fair was held by the Public Health Ministry to warn of the dangers of smoking and encourage new tobacco laws.

Figures from the National Statistic Office reveal that the numbers of Thai’s over the age of fifteen who smoke has risen to 11.4 million in 2014.

Average spending on smoking is estimated at 409 baht per month per head.

At the Leelavadi clinic at Maha Sarakham hospital, between 10-15 people visit the clinic every day for consultation on quitting smoking and rehabilitation. The success rate in quitting smoking is said to be 80 percent as most of the volunteers are determined the quit the habit.