The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and implementation of tobacco control policies: Lessons learned from Indonesia and Thailand
Issued Date
2022-12-01
Resource Type
ISSN
21532028
eISSN
19484682
DOI
Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85133341962
Journal Title
World Medical and Health Policy
Volume
14
Issue
4
Start Page
750
End Page
772
Rights Holder(s)
SCOPUS
Bibliographic Citation
World Medical and Health Policy Vol.14 No.4 (2022) , 750-772
Suggested Citation
Moeis F.R., Nurhasana R., Rahardi F., Novitasari D., Shellasih N.M., Inayati, Murwendah, Suriyawongpaisal P., Patanavanich R., Ratih S.P. The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and implementation of tobacco control policies: Lessons learned from Indonesia and Thailand. World Medical and Health Policy Vol.14 No.4 (2022) , 750-772. 772. doi:10.1002/wmh3.534 Retrieved from: https://repository.li.mahidol.ac.th/handle/20.500.14594/87186
Title
The Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and implementation of tobacco control policies: Lessons learned from Indonesia and Thailand
Other Contributor(s)
Abstract
The threat that the tobacco epidemic poses to public health underscores the importance of comprehensive tobacco-related regulation. Despite aiming to reduce the prevalence of smoking, Indonesia still falls short of this goal. In contrast, within the same region, Thailand's achievement in controlling tobacco serves as a potential role model for Indonesia. To understand the issue, we conducted a literature review of the current regulatory framework as well as the implementation of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) and MPOWER framework in both countries. The review was supplemented with a Focus Group Discussion and an in-depth interview with stakeholders in Thailand and Indonesia. This study finds that: (1) Indonesia currently lacks a strong tobacco control policy champion, whereas Thailand has several authorities that focus on the issue; (2) Thailand's tobacco product advertising and promotion and smoking bans are more restrictive compared to Indonesia's policies; and (3) Thailand's policies on tobacco pictorial health warnings, pharmacotherapy, and excise taxes are more extensive than Indonesia's. We recommend that Indonesia ratify the FCTC as the foundation of tobacco control policies while also strengthening and coordinating organizations working on tobacco control, encouraging subnational governments to introduce regulations, and enforce control, as well as improving excise policies to reduce the affordability of tobacco products.