From Awareness to Action: Rethinking Mental Health
Reviewing our members' initiatives on supporting mental health i.e., expanding access to care, mental health at work, empowering youth and communities, ...
Tobacco control in ASEAN:
Lessons for a healthier future
What works and What still needs to be done
Tobacco use remains a public health challenge across ASEAN. Each country’s approach highlights important insights into what works—and what still needs to be done.
Key insights
- Thailand’s comprehensive policies and Singapore’s strict bans are setting a gold standard.
- Youth-focused programs in the Philippines and Cambodia show promise but need stronger enforcement.
- Countries with weaker taxation or enforcement, continue to struggle with high smoking rates.
Regional lessons
- Taxation works. Higher taxes reduce smoking and fund health programs.
- Enforcement matters. Without it, even the best policies fall short.
- Innovation leads. Malaysia’s proposed generational ban shows potential.
- Collaboration inspires. Shared action can drive lasting change.
More information
Comparative summary of tobacco control actions and outcomes in ASEAN countries
Indonesia
Key actions
Low taxes, local smoke-free regulations with varied enforcement.
Learning and Outcomes
High smoking rates; need for stronger national policies.
Philippines
Key actions
“Sin tax” law, youth prevention programs, advertising and promotion restrictions.
Learning and Outcomes
Reduced smoking; increased health funding; industry resistance.
Vietnam
Key actions
High taxes, public health campaigns.
Learning and Outcomes
Smoking curbed but affordability issues persist.
Thailand
Key actions
“Sin tax” for health promotion, plain packaging, high taxes, strong smoke-free laws.
Learning and Outcomes
Significant smoking reduction; a model for ASEAN countries.
Singapore
Key actions
All forms of advertising, promotion, and sponsorship bans, high taxes, e-cigarette ban.
Learning and Outcomes
Effective tobacco use reduction; policy consistency is key.
Malaysia
Key actions
Proposed generational sales ban, moderate tax increases, designated smoke-free places.
Learning and Outcomes
Innovative approach but faces legal and enforcement challenges.
Brunei
Key actions
High taxes, 100% smoke-free public spaces, strict advertising bans, no local tobacco manufacturing.
Learning and Outcomes
Lowest tobacco consumption in ASEAN; effective due to smaller scale.
Myanmar
Key actions
Smoke-free laws exist but limited enforcement; strong industry presence.
Learning and Outcomes
Minimal progress due to weak enforcement and industry influence.
Cambodia
Key actions
New smoke-free regulations, youth-focused awareness campaigns, low taxation.
Learning and Outcomes
Enforcement challenges; youth campaigns promising but need more support.
Lao PDR
Key actions
Standardized packaging implemented, low taxes, minimal public health campaigns.
Learning and Outcomes
High smoking rates; stronger taxation and education needed.
General learnings across ASEAN
Taxation
High taxes
e.g., Thailand, Philippines
High taxes lower smoking rates and boost health funding.
Low taxes
Low-tax countries (e.g., Cambodia, Lao PDR) struggle with high smoking rates.
Youth & Ads
Strict bans
e.g., Thailand, Philippines
- Strict bans (e.g., Singapore, Thailand) cut youth tobacco use.
- Enforcement varies across the region.
Packaging
e.g., Thailand, Lao PDR
- Standardized packs with strong warnings (e.g., Thailand, Lao PDR) raise awareness.
- Some countries still lack these measures.
Industry interference
Tobacco companies obstruct policies, especially in larger markets like Indonesia and the Philippines.
Smoke-free laws and enforcement
e.g., Singapore, Thailand
Strong smoke-free regulations work well in Singapore and Thailand, but enforcement is weak in countries like Indonesia and Myanmar
