Thailand controls tobacco consumption

BANGKOK, August 16 (TNA) - The Thai Ministry of Public Health has joined forces with dozens of allied networks in organizing activities to control tobacco consumption in the country. Dr. Pornthep Siriwanarangsan, Director-General of the Ministry of Public Health's Department of Disease Control, presided over the signing ceremony of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the control of domestic tobacco consumption between his department and the 35 allied networks in Bangkok Thursday. Dr. Pornthep told journalists after the ceremony that smoking remains a major problem in the country, pointing out a global-level survey of tobacco consumption among adults in 2011 showing that in Thailand alone, there were some 13 million population who consumed tobacco, accounting for some 24 per cent of the Kingdom's total adult population, aged 15 years old upward. Dr. Pornthep said that the survey also found up to 46.6 per cent of Thai men smoked; while second-handed smokers in public places nationwide had kept rising to a peak of 68.8 per cent in 2011, when compared with those in 2009. According to the senior public health official, the survey found as well that the average age of young Thai smokers was lower, from 18.5 years old to 17.4 years old, and Thai youths aged 15-17 could easily access to cigarettes. The senior Thai health official urged the public to provide tip-offs or lodge their complaints at the Department of Disease Control's hotline, or at its operation centre, if they find or come across any illegal act concerning cigarettes or tobacco consumption, suggesting that those who want to quit smoking are also welcome to call an official hotline for proper advice. (TNA)