Sy D., Head of Strategy and Global Public Policy at the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC). BMJ Blog.

Some Highlights of the 78th World Health Assembly

“…the 78th World Health Assembly (WHA78) in Geneva highlighted the adoption of the pandemic treaty and lung health (Promoting and Prioritizing an integrated lung health approach)…”

“Strengthening lung health through tobacco and nicotine control

Protecting lung health is essential for pandemic preparedness and resilience. Airborne pathogens have driven most major pandemics in the past century, including the 1918 flu, SARS, H1N1, and COVID-19. Recent scientific and historical analysis suggests that the most likely source of the next pandemic will again be a respiratory virus. Tobacco remains the most preventable cause of lung damage, accounting for 3.3 million lung-related deaths annually (Global Burden of Disease Study, 2021). Second-hand smoke exposure also causes cancer, while vaping aerosols pose documented harms to lung health. Additionally, mounting research links tobacco and nicotine addiction to increased anxiety, depression, and mental health struggles among youth. The WHA resolution calls for integrating tobacco and vaping control into all primary care and public health responses.”

Note: Full blog post at link below:

World Health Assembly 78, the WHO Pandemic Agreement, Financing for Development, Plastics Treaty and World No Tobacco Day: Reflections on tobacco control in health, development and justice – Blog – Tobacco Control

TRC Research Commentary

Bangkok house used to produce illegal e-cigarettes seized. Thaiger News, 22 June 2025. A Chinese entrepreneur rented a luxurious home in the Ram Inthra area of Bangkok to produce illegal e-cigarettes. The operation involved refurbishing discarded e-cigarette heads with new liquid before repackaging them for resale.

The police team arrested those involved and seized 3,200 finished e-cigarettes, along with a substantial amount of e-cigarette liquid and production equipment. The total estimated value of the confiscated items was approximately 1,500,000 baht (US$45,775), reported KhaoSod.
The investigation revealed that the operation involved purchasing e-cigarette parts, including used e-cigarettes, refilling them with new liquid to make them reusable, and then repackaging them to appear new for customers.

In similar news, Bangkok police arrested three people for allegedly selling drug-laced e-cigarette liquids through online platforms.

The suspects, 37-year-old Netnapa, 46-year-old Thanakorn, and 33-year-old Pratchaya, were caught in possession of a substantial quantity of illicit vape liquids and related gear on June 20. The bust has triggered a broader investigation into potential drug trafficking networks.

The operation was launched after residents of Soi Prasert Manukitch 37 in Nawamin district raised concerns about illegal e-cigarette and drug sales in the area.

Comment: E-cigarettes are not legal in Thailand, but various criminal groups have been active in their manufacture and sale. Many do not realize the health damage caused by e-cigarette use. More health education is needed to eliminate these illegal actions. S. Hamann