Vape Product Sellers in Thailand Utilize “Toy Pods” to Attract Kids
In a concerning trend, vape product sellers in Thailand have started marketing a new product known as “toy pods” to attract school and university kids. These vape products are designed to resemble popular cartoon characters and cute miniatures of toys, food, and stationery items. Srirach Lapyai, a project manager at the Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Centre (TRC), explains that these “toy pods” are the fifth generation of e-cigarettes and can contain up to 5% synthetic nicotine, producing up to 15,000 puffs. Some even come in a collection, with each pod representing distinct flavors and fragrances.
The alarming part is that these “toy pods” have become so popular that they have made their way into elementary schools, with first-graders being discovered carrying them. The mouthpieces of these pods are cleverly designed to resemble cute figurines, making them nearly unrecognizable as e-cigarettes. Vape product companies in Thailand are specifically targeting younger customers by opening shops and running social media promotions that cater to their interests and lifestyles.
Dr. Vijj Kasemsup, director of the TRC, expresses concern over the potential harm these vape products can cause to children. Nicotine from vape products can harm children’s hearts, brain cells, memories, concentration, and respiratory systems, potentially leading to seizures and heart failure. He believes that the government should continue to prohibit the sales and imports of vape products and actively enforce restrictions against them. Legal action against vape product retailers located near schools is being considered to establish safety systems.
The debate surrounding the safety of vaping is not unique to Thailand. Around the world, people are questioning whether vapes and e-cigarettes are as hazardous as regular tobacco products. While it is important to recognize that both vaping and smoking cigarettes come with risks, studies have shown that e-cigarettes may be less dangerous than traditional cigarettes. The Royal College of Physicians in the United Kingdom concluded that the harm from long-term vapor inhalation is unlikely to exceed 5% of the harm from smoking tobacco.
However, vaping is not risk-free. The aerosol created by e-cigarettes may contain hazardous compounds, and the long-term implications are still being investigated. Despite this, vaping could potentially be a less dangerous alternative for smokers who are unable or unwilling to quit nicotine completely. The challenge lies in regulating the rapidly growing vaping industry, as many countries, including Thailand, have strict bans on these products while they remain widely available.
The current restrictions on vaping in Thailand raise concerns about the effectiveness of a ban in reducing vape use. Many Thais have turned to the uncontrolled black market to access vaping products, making it difficult to control and ensure the quality and safety of these goods. Regulating and taxing vaping could potentially improve public safety while also generating funds for public health projects.
The situation in Thailand is not unique, as other countries, like the United Kingdom, are also grappling with the challenges of vaping regulations. While concerns about health dangers and potential gateway effects to smoking for adolescents are driving forces behind vaping bans, critics argue that a complete ban may not be the most effective solution. As more evidence emerges, governments should reconsider their stance on vaping and consider harm reduction as a viable approach for those unable to quit nicotine completely.
In conclusion, the use of “toy pods” by vape product sellers in Thailand to attract kids is a concerning trend. The government should take action to prohibit sales and imports of these products and enforce restrictions to protect children from the potential harm caused by nicotine. While vaping is not without risks, it may be a less dangerous alternative for smokers who are unable to quit nicotine completely. Governments should carefully consider the evidence and regulate vaping to ensure consumer safety while also exploring harm reduction strategies for those who cannot give up nicotine entirely.