Thailand becomes first in Asia to launch plain cigarette packaging

Thailand rolled out plain cigarette packaging on September 10, becoming the first in Asia to make what is called as an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking.

Hanoi (VNA) – Thailand rolled out plaincigarette packaging on September 10, becoming the first in Asia to make what iscalled as an effective way to reduce the appeal of smoking.

Last year, Thailand agreed to comply with the WorldHealth Organisation (WHO) guidelines so the simple packs were officiallyavailable in stores. Businesses have until December 8 to phase out stocks before facing fines of upto 40,000 THB (1,300 USD).

Thestandardised packaging includes a graphic picture of tobacco's effects on healthand the logo-free brand name written in plain font.

Keepinga uniform typeface below graphic depictions of smoking-related illnesses willmake the products less attractive to buyers, said Prakit Vathesatogkit,vice-chair of the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, adding that non-smokers andkids are less likely to start smoking with this packaging.

Thereare more than 246 million cigarette smokers in Southeast Asia, where low priceshelp make it one of the largest tobacco-consuming regions in the world.

In2012, Australia became the first country to require tobacco products to be soldwithout colourful brand logos. Singaporeis set to implement similar restrictions on packaging next year./.

VNA

See more

Illustrative image (Photo: Internet)

Lao, Cambodian Parties vow to tighten ties

The 15th high-level meeting between the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and the Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) took place in Vientiane, Laos on February 7.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with Prime Minister of Thailand Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua)

Thailand, China strengthen bilateral ties

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn affirmed Thailand's commitment to deepening law enforcement cooperation with China and its neighbouring countries, pledging strong and decisive actions to combat cross-border crimes, including online gambling and telecom fraud.

Cambodian Senate President Samdech Techo Hun Sen begins visit to Laos. (Photo: cpp.org.kh)

Lao, Cambodian legislative bodies enhance collaboration

The two sides appreciated the strong and close collaboration between Laos and Cambodia as well as their legislative bodies, reflected through the implementation of the contents of the Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation between the two legislatures, such as all-level delegation exchanges, and experience sharing.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Brunei's Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu'izzaddin Waddaulah at their meeting in Beijing, China, on February 6, 2025. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Brunei, China step up cooperation across multiple fields

Xi Jinping said China is ready to strengthen strategic connectivity with Brunei, encourage more Chinese enterprises to invest and start business in the country, and support Brunei in diversifying its economy and developing its digital economy, artificial intelligence, and new energy industries.

An office worker in Bangkok points to the Fineasy app on her Oppo smartphone. (Photo: bangkokpost.com)

Illegal mobile loan apps found in Thailand

The Bank of Thailand initially reported 10 verified illegal apps offering personal loans, including Fineasy and Happy Loan, to the Personal Data Protection Committee (PDPC) under the Digital Economy and Society (DES) Ministry.

A screenshot of the talk show (Photo: VNA)

Cambodian TV channel spotlights Vietnamese Party chief’s article

In a 10-minute talk show, Cambodian journalist Khieu Kolar analysed Vietnam's strategic orientations, especially the continued Party building and redtification, the streamlining of the political system, and the promotion of science and technology application and digital transformation in Party building.