Abstract
Policy-linked research is related to the country’s problems and concerns. The purpose of this study
is to evaluate the missing knowledge in tobacco control in Thailand and to examine the significant research
questions needed for tobacco-control policy. Two methods, namely framework of analysis and documentary research, were employed to evaluate the scope of needed research, the method of comparison
to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), by selecting equivalent topics related to
Thai society. The next step was collecting previous research evidence, such as research reports and meeting
papers. Those collected documents were evaluated to identify knowledge gaps, using a focus group
discussion in order to bring forward specific research questions.
Seven main areas for tobacco control were identified as relevant to the current tobacco-control situation
in Thailand and that needed to advance more evidence: (1) the surveillance system of tobacco consumption
and tobacco industry, (2) tobacco-control tax measures and trade agreements, (3) an alternative
model of services for smoking cessation, (4) control of various tobacco products, (5) communication for
effecting behavior and social changess, (6) situation concerning “roll-your-own” cigarettes, and (7) evaluation
of the effectiveness of the tobacco-control measures.
This analysis suggested that research prioritization for tobacco-control research could use the WHO
FCTC as a framework of analysis. The selected components could be adjusted for country-specific application
which should guide effective investments in specific tobacco research in order to solve the country’s
problems in this regard.
