Tobacco-free snus is a staple in Scandinavia, but in thailand snus it’s an almost unknown phenomenon. Travelers who bring snus on their trips run the risk of having it confiscated at customs or simply tossed away.
But two Swedes on opposite sides of the Thai-Laos border are trying to change that.
What is snus?
Snus is smokeless tobacco, a popular smokless alternative to cigarettes in Scandinavia. It is sold in cans and is chewed in thin pouches that dissolve inside the cheek, delivering nicotine with a pleasant flavor without the burning sensation. Snus is regarded as safer and less addictive than cigarettes. Proponents claim it can lower health risks, including heart disease and cancer, while also alleviating the symptoms of withdrawal.
Despite its ubiquity in Sweden, the tobacco-free product remains virtually unknown in Southeast Asia. Customs officers at Bangkok’s main entry point typically treat it as contraband and toss it if they spot it in travelers’ backpacks. But two Swedes on opposite sides of the Thai-Laos border have begun a cottage industry producing and selling snus, targeting foreigners tired of having their stash confiscated at airports.
The goal is to ratchet up production and sell snus in tourist-rich Thailand, but the challenges are formidable. They must contend with regional oblivion to the product, strict advertising laws and a fear of losing their shipments to customs officers. Both men have no delusions about winning over locals, and their Laotian assistants are reluctant to even try their wares.
Our longcut snus is made from coarsely ground Swedish tobacco, with the addition of flavourings such as apple, cherry or bergamot. We have a range of sweetened longcut variants and we produce unsweetened longcut, as well as portion snus.
What is longcut snus?
While tobacco products are widely banned in Thailand, Swedish snus is not. Unlike traditional Thai smokeless oral tobacco, which is usually mixed with ingredients like slaked lime and areca nut, the snus imported into Thailand is made from pure Scandinavian-grown tobacco. This is the only way to ensure that the product complies with strict European health regulations.
Svensson hopes that by making the snus as close to the real thing as possible, his brand will encourage smokers to switch from cigarettes to the Swedish product and help cut smoking rates in the country. But it’s a uphill battle. Locals are used to smoking and do not take well to being told to stop, particularly when the tobacco comes in small packages that resemble pills. And regional officials often toss snus shipments that don’t comply with strict rules.
However, scientific studies indicate that snus consumption is not associated with an increased risk of lung cancer, cardiovascular disease or pancreatic cancer and is significantly safer than cigarette smoking. Moreover, snus does not cause significant or lasting harm to the teeth. Furthermore, snus contains lower levels of harmful chemicals than cigarette smoke, including nicotine and tobacco-specific nitrosamines. In one study, snus users experienced less severe periodontitis than non-users.
What is a portion snus?
The snus market in Thailand is quite large, with some variants that are very similar to Swedish snus. These variants are made in Thailand and are produced, packaged, distributed, and sold based on Thai laws.
Svensson sells around 1,000 cans a month in Bangkok and says that he is optimistic about the future of the snus industry in Thailand. But he is also realistic about the challenges that lie ahead. With snus advertising banned and the local population’s relative oblivion towards the product, it will take some time before snus becomes mainstream in Thailand.
Tobacco-free and packed with a balanced blend of refreshing eucalyptus flavours. This white portion delivers a strong taste that lasts much longer than other white portions and is the perfect way to enjoy your snus experience. A true classic.
Can I carry snus on an airplane?
STOCKHOLM, Nov 7 (Reuters) – Snus is as Swedish as IKEA or ABBA — a smokeless tobacco in small pouches that has transformed from a farmers’ staple into a habit of Stockholm executives and young hipsters. But with sales slipping at home, main manufacturer Swedish Match’s future hinges on its ability to convince U.S. officials these tiny pouches, banned on health grounds in the rest of Europe, are less harmful than smoking.
The company is spending tens of millions to do just that as it battles an aggressive Altria Group and other big foreign competitors in the lucrative but risky business of selling cigarettes and other nicotine-laced products. Its shares have gained 10 percent this year as investors speculate it could become an acquisition target and has a lower litigation risk than its cigarette rivals.
While it is illegal to import and sell snus commercially in most countries outside Sweden, many airlines allow passengers to bring chewing tobacco for personal use on board. But the rules vary widely. And there is a chance your stash will be confiscated if you pack too much. If you travel internationally often, it’s a good idea to know the rules before you start packing your suitcase. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
