Abstract
This research aim was threefold. (1) To compare the concepts, situation, and reform patterns of the state tobacco industry in other countries in relation to tobacco control, governance, and trade agreements. (2) To analyse alternative reforms for Thailand in different scenerios of the government administration, trade agreement, and other social movements. (3) To assess the Thai tobacco control civil society’s acceptance of reform patterns of the tobacco industry. This study used qualitative research methodology through document research from domestic and foreign documents, and in-depth interviews with academic and experts from civil society on tobacco control in Thailand. The study indicated that (1) The international trade agreements were used as a tool to obstruct tobacco control policies in many countries. As a result, tobacco consumption worldwide dropped slower than the target. (2) The option for reform of the state-owned tobacco industry can be classified into 4 ways: 1. foreign direct investment, 2. joint venture, 3. privatization of state enterprises, 4. structural reform under state enterprise management. (3) Most of key informants expressed their opinions that the best approach is to manage the state-owned enterprises under the government’s control by separating roles and responsibilities between the policy makers, regulatory organization and owners.
