Thailand Quitline — Thailand National Quitline 1600

Frequently asked questions

Is there a national quitline in Thailand?

Yes. The Thailand National Quitline (ศูนย์บริการเลิกบุหรี่ทางโทรศัพท์แห่งชาติ) is reached by dialling 1600, and the World Health Organization lists it as the country's national quit line. It has provided telephone counselling for people who want to stop smoking since the 1990s, with the current service operating under the Sangsukthai Foundation. You can call from anywhere in Thailand to speak with a trained counsellor.

Source: Thailand National Quitline 1600 (ศูนย์บริการเลิกบุหรี่ทางโทรศัพท์แห่งชาติ) , World Health Organization — Toll-free quitlines

Is help to quit smoking free, and what does calling 1600 cost?

Calling 1600 is free. The Quitline states that mobile phones on every network can dial 1600 at no charge, and the counselling itself is also free of charge. There is no fee for the call-back programme or for the advice and follow-up you receive, so cost is not a barrier to getting help.

Source: Thailand National Quitline — Service , Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center (TRC) — The Thailand National Quitline 1600

What does the Thailand Quitline offer?

The Quitline provides confidential telephone counselling from trained advisers, who help you understand your smoking, set a quit date, and build a plan to stop. It runs both reactive counselling (when you call in) and a proactive call-back programme, where counsellors phone you after your quit date to support you and monitor progress. The service also offers SMS support and a referral network (U-Refer) that links callers with hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies. It does not dispense nicotine replacement therapy itself.

Source: Thailand National Quitline — Service , Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center (TRC) — The Thailand National Quitline 1600

Who runs the Thailand National Quitline?

The Quitline is operated by the Sangsukthai Foundation as a national service. Since a 2007 agreement, it has been supported by three bodies: the Ministry of Public Health, the National Health Security Office (NHSO), and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), with operations expanding from January 2008. This backing keeps the line free for everyone in Thailand.

Source: Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center (TRC) — The Thailand National Quitline 1600 , Thailand National Quitline 1600 (ศูนย์บริการเลิกบุหรี่ทางโทรศัพท์แห่งชาติ)

When can I call 1600 and how does the call-back work?

According to the Quitline, the line is open daily, with counsellors normally available roughly from morning to late evening. If you call outside those hours, you can leave your name and number and the team will call you back. The proactive programme works the same way for people in treatment: once you agree a quit date, a counsellor phones you to follow up. The service is provided in Thai.

Source: Thailand National Quitline — Service , Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center (TRC) — The Thailand National Quitline 1600