Tobacco is a global health crisis, claiming over eight million lives annually. In Cambodia, tobacco use leads to approximately 15,000 deaths each year, impacting families and communities and imposing an economic burden of around 2.7 trillion Khmer Riels (USD 663 million) annually. This translates to an estimated 290 deaths each week, disproportionately impacting low-income communities.
But, Cambodia has achieved significant milestones in tobacco control in recent years, implementing cross-sectoral measures that extend beyond the health sector to safeguard public health.
With technical support from WHO, and funding from the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), the Ministry of Health of Cambodia has embraced a whole-of-government approach to tobacco control. By collaborating with various ministries, the government has enacted key legislative and regulatory frameworks to curb tobacco use and its harmful impacts.
In 2015, the adoption of the Law on Tobacco Control marked a pivotal step, establishing a robust legal framework. Building on this, the Ministry of Health set up 135 tobacco cessation and counseling services across 11 provinces, offering critical support to individuals aiming to quit smoking.
/countries/cambodia/no-smoking-poster.jpg?sfvrsn=91da9642_4)
Cambodia enforces smoke-free zones with penalties of 20 000 Riel for violations, reinforcing the commitment to healthier public spaces under Sub-Decree No. 43. © WHO/Luisa Ryan
In 2016, the Ministry of Health partnered with the Ministry of Tourism to introduce a Sub-Decree on Banning Smoking in Workplaces and Public Places. This initiative involved the tourism and urban development sectors, with 511 tourism and hospitality businesses achieving the ‘Smoke-Free Environment Tourism Cambodia’ certification in 2022. Cities such as Battambang, Kampot, Siem Reap, and Preah Sihanouk were designated in 2023 and 2024 as ‘Smoke-Free Tourism Cities’, exemplifying the broader societal impact of tobacco control.
The WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic 2023 recognized Cambodia’s success, which has become one of only nine Western Pacific Region Member States to legislate the eight minimum public spaces as smoke-free and one of just four ASEAN countries to meet this standard.
However, the 2023 WHO STEPwise Approach to NCD Risk Factor Surveillance (STEPS) Survey highlights the ongoing challenges in Cambodia, where 35.5% of men and 2.4% of women aged 18-69 years old are tobacco users. Although this prevalence has remained stagnant among 25 to 64 year olds since 2016, tobacco use continues to present a major obstacle to reducing noncommunicable diseases.
Moreover, according to the National Adult Tobacco Survey 2021, 16% of Cambodian adults are exposed to second-hand smoke in public areas, with exposure rates escalating to 51% in restaurants and 62% on public transportation. The rise in e-cigarette use, particularly among youth, also presents a new challenge, with 82% of vape users being students aged 15-35 years old, and over 80% purchasing products online. In response, the Ministry of Health has partnered with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport to finalize a Sub-decree on Banning Import, Distribution, Sale, Advertising, Use, Possession and Manufacture of Election Smoking Devices and Substances and Shisha to protect young people from the dangers of these addictive products.
“We have made great strides in tobacco control, but we don’t want to be complacent. We need to do more and collaborate with partners in the country and in the region to optimize success in tobacco control. The Ministry of Health is committed to implementing the necessary measures to improve the health, economy and well-being of people in Cambodia, especially our younger generations, from tobacco use,” emphasizes of Dr Chhea Chhordaphea, Director of the National Center for Health Promotion, Ministry of Health.
/countries/cambodia/dr-chhea-chhordaphea.jpg?sfvrsn=3c0a561d_4)
Dr Chhea Chhordaphea speaks on Cambodia's tobacco control progress while emphasizing the critical need for sustained multi-sectoral collaboration to create a tobacco-free future for Cambodians. © Cambodia’s Ministry of Health
Increased taxation on tobacco products has proven to be effective in reducing consumption, generating revenue, and mitigating healthcare costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses. WHO has supported the Working Group on Tobacco Taxation and Control of Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products by generating evidence and applying analytic tools to support the implementation of the Excise Policy Framework 2024-2028.
Dr Marianna Trias, WHO Representative to Cambodia, emphasizes the need for urgent action: “We are proud to work with the Royal Government of Cambodia to protect young people from the uptake of tobacco, e-cigarettes, and other nicotine products by banning or tightly regulating these products. It is also imperative that we support youth-led education and awareness initiatives, so young people can advocate for their own tobacco-free future. Working together with civil society organizations and empowered youth, we can protect Cambodian children from an industry that only sees young people as profits, not people.”
Each milestone in Cambodia’s tobacco control journey highlights the far-reaching impact of collective action in public health. The Ministry of Health’s ongoing collaboration with WHO and commitment across sectors not only protects people today but also builds a healthier, more resilient future—one where tobacco no longer threatens the well-being of Cambodians.