Thai police crack down on illegal e-cigarettes near schools
The Royal Thai Police (RTP) Commissioner ordered a strict crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes, particularly around schools and educational institutions, to protect children and youths.
Yesterday, February 24, Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong, spokesperson for the RTP, stated that the directive follows the government’s policy to curb illegal e-cigarette sales.
Police General Kittirat Phanphet, Police Commissioner, responded promptly to the directive by instructing all units to implement stringent measures against illegal e-cigarette sales, especially in areas near schools or religious establishments, to ensure complete eradication.
The initiative also involves checking for smuggling activities along borders and airports in collaboration with relevant agencies like the Customs Department. Moreover, police units are encouraged to coordinate with local agencies to share information on e-cigarettes and conduct joint operations for inspections and arrests.
The spokesperson further emphasised that if any arrests are made, thorough investigations will follow to explore all aspects of the case, reported KhaoSod.
Police units are strictly advised against any involvement in illicit benefits or negligence that may lead to these areas becoming sources of youth enticement. Disciplinary, criminal, and administrative actions will be taken rigorously against any violations.
In similar news, police arrested two Thai vendors selling e-cigarettes and kratom drinks outside a school in the Isaan province of Buriram after a 12 year old schoolgirl was found to have suffered severe lung damage from nearly two years of vaping and kratom consumption.
The school, located in the Satuek district of Buriram, rushed the 12 year old girl to hospital after she vomited and experienced difficulty breathing. Doctors informed her family and the media that she had been vaping for almost two years, resulting in nearly 100% damage to her lungs.
In addition to vaping, the girl had reportedly been consuming kratom drinks since she was 11 years old, drinking approximately 1,500 millilitres daily. Two of her friends were also found to have engaged in the same behaviour.
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