The National Tobacco Products Control Committee is being urged to consider revising its ban on the import and sales of e-cigarettes in Thailand.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn said he has submitted a petition to the committee to revise its decision on e-cigarette sales and imports. He said research in 70 countries has shown that e-cigarettes are a safer alternative to conventional cigarettes and that their sale has been subsidized by their governments. If the government allows the legal import and sale of e-cigarettes, it will be able to set selling standards and benefit from a tobacco tax.