If you’re trying to quit smoking or vaping, there’s good news. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) recently shared a new, structured approach to help individuals kick the habit for good.
Quitting smoking is one of the best decisions you can make for your health, but it’s also one of the toughest. Whether you’re hooked on cigarettes or e-cigarettes, the BMA’s latest public health initiative offers a clear and supportive path to recovery—designed with science, structure, and real human support.
Why You Should Quit Smoking
Let’s start with the “why.” Smoking is linked to a long list of serious health issues: heart disease, stroke, lung cancer, and chronic respiratory conditions—just to name a few. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year globally—over 7 million from direct use and around 1.3 million from exposure to secondhand smoke.
In Thailand, smoking is still a significant public health concern. Data from the National Statistical Office of Thailand shows that over 9 million Thais smoke, and tobacco use is responsible for more than 50,000 deaths in the country each year.
For expats in Thailand, especially those adapting to a new environment, quitting smoking can lead to better energy, reduced stress, and improved overall quality of life. Cigarettes are increasingly expensive, and public smoking bans—especially in Bangkok—are strictly enforced in many areas.
But the dangers don’t stop with the smoker. Secondhand smoke—the smoke non-smokers inhale when around someone who’s smoking—is proven to be equally hazardous. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer in adults, and cause severe respiratory infections, asthma, and even sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in children. The WHO reports that children exposed to secondhand smoke are 50–100% more likely to develop respiratory illnesses than those who are not.
If you are living with family, young children, or in shared housing, quitting smoking also protects the health of those around you.
BMA’s 3-Step Plan to Quit Smoking
The BMA has rolled out a 3-step smoking cessation strategy, now available at several public clinics and health centers across Bangkok.
1. Nicotine Dependency Assessment
Using the HSI (Heaviness of Smoking Index), professionals will ask two simple questions to determine your level of nicotine addiction:
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0–2 points = Low dependency
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3–6 points = Moderate to high dependency
This helps tailor a treatment plan suited to your specific needs.
2. Personalized Quitting Support
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Low addiction: Counseling may be all you need to quit successfully.
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Moderate to high addiction: A combination of counseling, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and behavioral therapy will be provided.
3. Follow-up and Ongoing Motivation
Regular check-ins help keep you on track and motivated, with support from trained counselors.
Where to Get Help in Bangkok
Expats can easily access services at:
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Kao Mai Clinic or Kao Mai Plus Clinics across Bangkok
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Public health centers near your residence
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Quitline 1600 – A free hotline offering expert advice
Quick Tips: The 5D Technique for Quitting
The BMA recommends the 5D method, a practical way to overcome cravings:
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Deep Breath – Reset your focus
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Delay – Wait a few minutes before reacting to a craving
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Drink Water – Hydrate to calm your system
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Do Something – Distract your mind
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Destination – Keep your end goal in sight
Living in a new country offers a unique opportunity for personal transformation—and quitting smoking is a powerful place to start. With Bangkok’s updated support systems, expats no longer have to face the challenge alone.
Need help now? Call Quitline 1600 or visit your local health clinic to begin your journey today.