House committee sparks crackdown on e-cigarettes in schools
The House committee is demanding tough new measures to tackle the troublesome issue of e-cigarettes, amidst growing concern over their widespread use among schoolchildren.
In a stark warning, Opas Almaseri, spokesperson for the House Standing Committee on E-Cigarette Regulation, revealed alarming reports showing that these gadgets are cunningly marketed to the youth.
Despite a firm ban on e-cigarettes in Thailand, these devices are being smuggled into the country cunningly cloaked in candy-like packaging, making them nearly impossible for vigilant parents to detect, said Opas.
“It’s deeply concerning. They are sneakily marketed as everyday items, leading youngsters to believe they are harmless.”
While he acknowledges the commendable efforts of law enforcement in their fight against e-cigarettes, Opas stressed that these devices remain far too accessible.
“We need more effective measures to close any legal loopholes and protect consumers, particularly our children and teenagers.”
To halt the rapid spread of e-cigarettes among minors, the ad hoc committee has proposed a set of recommendations, including a stricter ban and tighter legal controls on their importation.
The spokesperson underscored the critical need to shield children and young people from e-cigarettes and their harmful effects.
Opas did not hold back in praising the proactive steps already taken by the Customs Department in seizing smuggled e-cigarettes.
From October last year to the previous month, customs officials managed to confiscate at least 28 million baht worth of illegal e-cigarettes and baraku.
With such a significant challenge at hand, the committee’s call to action signals a determined effort to extinguish the e-cigarette epidemic plaguing the nation’s youth.
Last month, civil networks elevated the e-cigarette issue to a national agenda following a significant increase in young vapers over the past year.
The topic was discussed during a seminar hosted by the Senate committee on Social Development, Children, Youth, Women, the Elderly, People with Disabilities, the Underprivileged, and Social Diversity.
The event took place on January 30 in Parliament and was attended by representatives from the government, the private sector, civil society, academic institutions, communities, youth organisations, and parent networks
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