Thailand's Cabinet has approved a ban on the import of hookah-style water pipes and electronic cigarettes, copying a similar move by neighbouring Cambodia earlier this year.

Deputy government spokesman Major General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the ban proposed by the commerce ministry was imposed for health reasons. The public health ministry originally suggested the move, saying the items were luring young people into smoking.

The ban also applies to substances that could be used to flavour the water used in the water pipes, also called baraku in Thailand. The use of baraku is still legal in areas where smoking is allowed. Those violating the ban face a maximum jail term of 10 years or a fine of five times the product's value, or both.