Thailand’s Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) is taking a stand against the harmful effects of toy pods, vapers, and e-cigarettes on children’s health. They are urging educators, school staff, parents, and relatives to work together to educate young people about the dangers of vaping.
The CPPD chief, Pol Maj Gen Wittaya Sriprasert, emphasized that those who violate the laws prohibiting the sale and possession of these devices may face criminal prosecution in Thailand. He pointed out that the number of cases involving illegal possession and sale of e-cigarettes has been on the rise in recent years.
In fact, the authorities have seized toy pods, e-cigarettes, and vape cartridges worth millions of baht from various vendors. Just this month, they confiscated products worth 2.7 million baht in 42 cases. The most recent arrest occurred when two suspects were caught selling toy pods and e-cigarettes in Bangkok.
Despite being illegal, e-cigarettes have gained popularity among Thai youths. Pol Maj Gen Wittaya Sriprasert revealed that a recent study showed that the sleek designs, wide range of flavors, and various marketing strategies employed by manufacturers and retailers have contributed to their appeal.
Furthermore, the study found that many people view e-cigarettes as a cheaper alternative to traditional cigarettes due to their reusability and lower price point. Unfortunately, awareness of the true health risks associated with e-cigarette use is limited among Thai adolescents.
Toy pods, in particular, have become extremely popular among children. These devices are designed to look like cute figurines and come in vibrant colors and flavors reminiscent of cartoons. They are almost unrecognizable as electronic cigarettes, making them especially appealing to vulnerable targets like adolescents.
However, the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the compounds in electronic cigarettes, including nicotine, are hazardous and toxic. Nicotine, which is highly addictive, can have significant implications for cognitive development and may contribute to anxiety and learning disorders.
The e-cigarette industry specifically targets young people, as evidenced by the recent assault on e-cigarette shops in Bangkok. The Thailand Youth Institute found that these establishments generate substantial revenue, with 70% of their customers being minors.
The study also revealed that the busiest sales hours for e-cigarettes are in the afternoon, when students have finished school. The attractive and vibrant designs of toy pods make them particularly popular during this time. Each toy capsule contains 5,000 puffs.
Bangkok has the highest rate of teen e-cigarette use in Thailand. Rather than ordering online, children reportedly purchase toy pods from stores located near educational institutions. These vendors even market the product using popular children’s brands to create the impression that they are safe for children.
To address this issue, the secretary-general of the Thailand Youth Institute suggests enhancing customs inspections to prevent the smuggling of electronic cigarettes into the country. Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has already prohibited the import of e-cigarettes since 2014, but stricter measures are needed to combat the problem effectively.
A survey conducted by the institute last year found that 25% of Thai adolescents, with an average age of 15, reported using vaping devices. Those who shared an environment with e-cigarette users were more likely to develop the habit. Additionally, children who were unaware of the risks associated with e-cigarettes were more likely to start using them.
A study conducted at two primary schools in Lop Buri and Tak revealed that more than half of the students aged 10 and older had experimented with electronic cigarettes. Surprisingly, a significant number of these students were female. They claimed that using e-cigarettes made them feel cool and did not perceive them as dangerous.
Dr. Roengrudi Pathavanich, a lecturer at Ramathibodi Hospital, warned that children who use e-cigarettes are more likely to transition to traditional cigarettes. This highlights the urgent need for child protection and strict enforcement of the ban on e-cigarette sales in the country.
In conclusion, the CPPD is calling for a collaborative effort to protect adolescents from the harmful effects of toy pods, vapers, and e-cigarettes. It is essential to educate young people about the dangers of vaping and take strong measures to enforce the ban on these devices. Only then can we ensure the well-being of our children and prevent them from falling into the trap of nicotine addiction.