E-cigarette crisis on national agenda over youth vaping surge
Civil networks have collectively decided to elevate the e-cigarette issue to a national agenda following a significant increase in young vapers over the past year.
This 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.
Notable participants included the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation, the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, the Office of the Consumer Protection Board, and the Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management Center.
Senate committee chair Varapas Phaiphannarat referenced a 2022 e-cigarette report, highlighting that the number of users aged 15 to 24 had increased more than tenfold from 24,050 to 269,533 in a single year.
Approximately 43% of primary school students aged nine to 12 had experimented with e-cigarettes, with a marked rise in usage among girls. Varapas noted that these statistics reflect a critical public health issue that jeopardises the well-being and future of Thai youth, emphasising the long-term social and economic impacts.
The seminar aimed to raise awareness of e-cigarette dangers by encouraging families, communities, and schools to take active roles in prevention. Attendees also discussed ways to enhance law enforcement measures.
Various stakeholders were invited to contribute to policy development that prioritises youth welfare, aligning with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Doctor Prakit Vathesatogkit, President of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation in Thailand, referenced a recent national survey indicating that 17% of teenagers aged 13 to 15 were using e-cigarettes, with the current number potentially rising to 20 to 30%.
Dr Prakit cautioned that e-cigarettes contain nicotine, similar to traditional cigarettes, and young users are especially susceptible, as early nicotine exposure can severely impact brain development.
He pointed out that studies show young vapers are five times more likely to experience depression, concentration difficulties, irritability, and academic challenges.
Dr Prakit also urged lawmakers to refrain from legalising e-cigarettes, using the Philippines as an example, where legalisation has resulted in increased smoking, growth in the illegal tobacco trade, and decreased tax revenues, reported Bangkok Post.
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