Tobacco use remains one of the most significant health risks in Thailand, contributing to over 70,000 premature deaths and costing Thai households more than 100 billion Baht annually. * Despite a drop in smoking rates from 35% in 1989 to 17.4% in 2021, the rise of e-cigarettes poses new threats, particularly among youth and women. Recent data shows E-cigarette usage has surged from 3.3% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2023, highlighting the urgent need to combat nicotine addiction and its associated harms.
In recognition of World No-Tobacco Day 2025, AXA Insurance Thailand is amplifying the World Health Organization (WHO) theme, "Unmask the Appeal," to expose how the tobacco industry manipulates public perception through appealing packaging and misleading marketing aimed at vulnerable groups.
Paweena Khemarangsan, Chief Customer Officer at AXA Insurance Thailand General Insurance, said: "At AXA Insurance Thailand, we recognize that tobacco use continues to evolve in concerning ways, especially with the rise of e-cigarettes among our youth. As we unmask the deceptive appeal of these products, we're committed to protecting Thai communities through both education and practical solutions. Beyond raising awareness, we believe accessible health protection is essential for empowering individuals to make informed choices that safeguard their long-term wellbeing. Through initiatives like our SmartCare Cancer insurance plan, we're working to ensure that every Thai family has the support they need to face health challenges and build more secure futures"
Globally, tobacco use is a major contributor to cancer, responsible for approximately one in five (22%) of all cancer deaths each year**. It is linked to at least 20 different types of cancer, with an estimated 2.4 million tobacco-related cancer deaths occurring annually worldwide.
Aligned with its mission, AXA offers proactive health coverage through the AXA SmartCare Cancer insurance plan, which is designed to provide peace of mind in the face of one of the most common tobacco-related diseases. Key benefits include:
- Total compensation in the event of claim with maximum sum insured of 900,000 THB
- Premiums starting from just 3 Baht per day
- Coverage for any stage of cancer, from early to advanced, with no medical check-up required
- Instant policy issuance via email
- Eligibility for personal income tax deduction
- Free! coverage for unlimited unmarried children aged 15 days - 22 years old for the family plan
This easy-to-access plan offers vital financial support upon a first-time cancer diagnosis, allowing individuals and families to focus on recovery without the added burden of unexpected medical expenses.
To learn more about how AXA helps protect Thai families from the risks associated with tobacco-related illnesses, including full coverage details and eligibility, visit the AXA SmartCare Cancer page: https://www.axa.co.th/en/axa-smartcare-cancer
For further updates, please follow AXA on:Website: https://www.axa.co.thCustomer Service Centre: 02-118-8111Facebook: AXA ThailandOfficial LINE account: @AXAThailand
*https://www.hfocus.org/content/2024/02/29795
** https://ash.org.uk/resources/view/smoking-and-cancer#:~:text=Tobacco%20smoke%20is%20estimated%20to%20be%20responsible,cancer%20deaths%20(22%)%20is%20caused%20by%20tobacco.
Remark: Terms and conditions of coverage and underwriting, as specified by AXA. The Insured should understand the policy coverage before making the decision.