Despite its popularity in Scandinavia, snus is virtually unknown in Snus thailand Customs officers in Bangkok often confiscate and discard packs that are discovered in travelers’ backpacks. But two expat Swedes are trying to change that with their cottage industry.

SNUS is moist powder tobacco that can be consumed by placing it under the upper lip for extended periods of time. It can be purchased in loose or portioned forms.

Swedish Snus Co. Ltd

Swedish Match has a dominant position in the nicotine pouch market with its ZYN brand and also enjoys a presence with chewing tobacco products. It is aiming to increase sales in the United States where snuff consumption is growing rapidly. Currently, the company sells its smokeless products in more than 80 countries.

Invented during the early 1800s, snus is a moist, coarsely ground tobacco that is placed under the upper lip rather than inhaled. It was popularized during the late 1960s as a substitute for cigarettes due to its convenience for use while working, the absence of smoke irritants, and lower costs. Its health effect profile has been largely established by epidemiological studies.

As snus became more widespread, a state-owned tobacco monopoly modernized production techniques and introduced several initiatives for quality assurance and control. These were primarily in response to growing scientific concerns about health effects of tobacco smoking and the potential for agrochemical residues and other potential toxicants in smokeless tobacco.

To produce snus with low levels of nitrosamines, the company utilizes raw tobacco leaves that are air or sun-cured under natural conditions. This allows for complex physical and chemical changes in the leaf, resulting in desired flavor characteristics. The tobacco is then ground and sieved to specified particle sizes, mixed with water, sodium chloride, humectants, and flavors. The mixture is then subjected to a computer-controlled heat treatment process that reduces microbial activity and improves taste.

Thai Customs

In Thailand, snus has gained widespread popularity as a safer alternative to smoking. It is a smokeless tobacco product that can be found in loose or portioned form. Proponents claim that snus does not cause heart problems or nicotine addiction and does not carry the cancer risk associated with cigarettes. It has also been shown to reduce nicotine cravings. A recent study published in the peer-reviewed journal Tobacco Control confirmed that snus reduces the risk of oral, nasal and laryngeal cancer.

The market for Swedish snus in Thailand is primarily composed of expats and tourists. Many Swedish brands, including Viking and General, are sold in stores and online. The tobacco used in these products is sourced from Thailand. In addition, the tins carry a tax ribbon that proves that the snus has been paid for.

Tobacco is a highly profitable industry in Thailand, and it has become the country’s leading export. The Thai economy is dependent on the industry, and the government has invested heavily in the sector. In addition, the country has a number of Free Zones that offer benefits for foreign companies.

Those interested in visiting Thailand should familiarize themselves with the culture and customs of the country before their trip. Practicing basic manners, such as using the right hand to pass items and not touching people on the head, will help you make friends with locals.

Smoking in Thailand

Smoking is banned in all indoor public places and most workplaces. There is also a ban on smoking in outdoor public places, sports training facilities and competitions of any kind, and most markets. The tobacco industry has a legal obligation to refrain from advertising and promotion, although reverse brand stretching and unpaid depiction are allowed. It is also prohibited in public transport and children’s playgrounds.

In spite of these efforts, smoking remains a problem in Thailand. Almost 25% of adults in the country smoke regularly, but this rate has decreased significantly since 2000. Nonetheless, smoking is still a major cause of death in Thailand.

The ban on smoking in public areas has been largely successful, but many smokers continue to purchase cigarettes from illegal vendors, and secondhand smoke continues to affect non-smokers in households where smoking occurs. According to a recent study, exposure to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of cancer for non-smokers by 40%.

Nevertheless, Sweden has succeeded in becoming one of the world’s first smoke-free countries, and this has caught the attention of many health experts. Smoking-related deaths have dropped by 55% in Sweden, and there are fewer cases of lung diseases among children. However, it is important to keep in mind that there are still a lot of challenges ahead for the rest of the world to overcome.

Snus in Thailand

The popularity of snus is growing in Thailand. The country attracts more than 5 percent of all Swedes, many of whom bring snus along on their travels. Snus has been praised as a healthier alternative to smoking, and studies have shown that it does not cause the same level of cardiovascular problems and addiction that cigarettes do.

Snus is a moist powder tobacco product that is placed under the upper lip and does not require spitting. It is available in loose or pre-packed variants. Loose snus is usually flavored with ingredients such as apple, mint or cherry. Longcut snus, which is more coarse and stronger in flavor, is generally not sweetened, although some brands are marketed as such.

Andersson and Svensson both work in a cottage industry, and neither has grand designs for converting Thai smokers to the new habit. Customs officers at Bangkok’s main entry point into the country typically regard snus as contraband, and travelers are often forced to toss their stash in the trash.

Svensson’s Pioneer Snus currently sells around 100 cans per month in Laos’ tourism district, and he hopes to ratchet up production so that he can expand into tourist-rich Thailand. But even if he can do that, the local market will be a tough sell. The Thai government has incredibly strict laws about how tobacco is marketed, and it forbids billboards and television ads featuring smoking celebrities.