Increasing Concerns about the Usage of e-Cigarettes and Vapers among Children in Thailand
In recent years, there has been a growing concern about the usage of e-cigarettes and vapers among children in Thailand. Authorities and health organizations are becoming increasingly worried about the impact of these devices on the younger generation, prompting calls for stricter regulations and awareness campaigns.
A seminar hosted by the Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) Foundation shed light on the issue, with participants agreeing that more needs to be done to discourage young people from using e-cigarettes and vapers. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has expressed his concerns about the illegal sale of these devices in schools, prompting action from the government.
According to Warawut Yancharoen, assistant minister at the Prime Minister’s office, the prime minister has directed relevant agencies to address and halt the distribution of e-cigarettes in schools. A report from the Thailand Youth Institute revealed that there were 72 e-cigarette businesses in the city, with 51 of them located near schools. Some of these e-cigarette items have been specifically designed to appeal to minors, with packaging featuring vividly colored cartoon characters and flavors like candy, fruit, and mint.
The threat of e-cigarettes among students is a significant concern, with new users as young as 13 years old. It is even more alarming when some pupils bring these devices to sell in school. To combat this issue, the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) will take steps to eliminate vaping items and raise awareness about the dangers of e-cigarettes among youths. The board also plans to take legal action against those involved in the distribution of these products.
Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit, head of ASH, highlighted the results of a statewide survey that showed a sharp increase in smoking rates among Thailand’s youth. The number of young smokers has risen from 3.3% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022, over 5.3 times higher. The survey also revealed a rise in smoking rates among young women, emphasizing the urgency of finding a solution to the vaping pandemic among children.
Dr. Suthep Phetmak, secretary-general of the National Health Commission (NHC), announced the formation of a committee to design a vaping control policy. The NHC also urged the government to maintain its restrictions on the importation of e-cigarettes and vaping items. Pitaya Jinawat of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) emphasized the organization’s collaboration with various groups to reduce the prevalence of vaping among young people. This includes raising awareness among students, teachers, and parents about the dangers of e-cigarettes and supporting vaping control measures.
Thailand has strict vaping laws, with the importation, exportation, sale, and manufacturing of e-cigarettes and vaping items being prohibited. Violators face significant penalties and possibly jail time. While using e-cigarettes is not strictly prohibited, carrying them can still lead to trouble as Thai officials consider vaping to be a gateway to smoking and a public nuisance. These restrictions aim to reduce the appeal of vaping among young people. However, despite these limitations, the vape black market continues to thrive, providing access to these items.
In conclusion, the concerns surrounding the usage of e-cigarettes and vapers among children in Thailand are growing. The government and health organizations are taking steps to address the issue through stricter regulations, awareness campaigns, and collaborations with various groups. The rise in smoking rates among young people, especially young women, highlights the urgent need for action. While Thailand’s vaping laws are tight, the presence of a thriving vape black market indicates that more needs to be done to combat this problem effectively.