Thailand bans import of hookahs, e-cigarettes

Thailand’s cabinet has approved a ban on the import of hookahs and electronic cigarettes, official reports said on Wednesday.

However, the government stopped short of prohibiting the use of the popular smoking paraphernalia.

The Ministry of Public Health’s Department of Disease Control asked for the ban after the smoking devices appeared for sale on the internet and at local flea markets.

The department said that the smoke and vapour emitted by the pipes and electronic cigarettes contain organic compounds and metals harmful to humans.