Background:
Tobacco ban is imposed in many countries however its impact on use of tobacco is less studied. This study assesses and compares the smokeless tobacco (SLT) burden among youth in South-East-Asia (SEA) region from 2003 till 2016.

Methods:
Data from Global Youth tobacco Surveys (GYTS) from 2003 to 2016 in SEA region was analyzed. GYTS data from Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor Leste was examined. Country and gender wise trend analysis was done.

Results:
Overall prevalence of SLT use among youths in SEA was varied from 2.1% to 21.6%. Bhutan youth both males (25%) and females (18.9%) topped the list. Indonesia male youth (3%) and Sri Lankan female youth (0.5%) had chewed SLTs the least. Male youth chewed more SLTs than their female counterparts, except in Timor Leste. There is decreasing trend of SLT use in SEA region except Nepal and Bhutan.

Conclusions:
Decreasing trend of SLT use in SEA region except Nepal and Bhutan represents successful tobacco control efforts in most part of the SEA region. Despite complete ban on tobacco products, high burden of SLT use in Bhutan is a concern. This study emphasize on intense and sustained tobacco control efforts in Bhutan and Nepal.