Thai ministry steps in as mothers’ vape video sparks concern

The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) intervened to assist two children after a video surfaced showing their young mothers vaping next to them.

The video, which gained widespread attention about a week ago, featured two young mothers, 22 year old Por, and 19 year old Nut, vaping while their children—an eight-month-old infant and a two-year-old toddler—were nearby.

Shared by the Red Skull Facebook page, the clip sparked online criticism of the mothers’ behaviour. The owner of the video responded.

“Everyone has their own parenting style. What you see might not be what you think. We raise our children happily in our own way. How does that bother anyone else?”

MSDHS Minister Varawut Silpa-archa revealed that the video was filmed at a house provided by a rice mill where Por’s husband works in Bang Pla Ma district. Nut, a next-door neighbour, was visiting with her two-year-old child at the time.

Por was noted for frequently vaping and sharing various video clips on TikTok. The video also showed the two-year-old imitating vaping after observing his mother’s e-cigarette.

Minister Varawut stated that officials from the Suphan Buri Child and Family Shelter, along with local officials, investigated the situation on Monday, August 5. They warned the mothers and provided education on child safety and proper child-rearing practices in accordance with the Child Protection Act. The shelter conducted a medical examination of the children.

Local government officials intend to monitor the two mothers and will take legal action if their childcare practices are found to harm the welfare or health of the children.

Minister Varawut emphasised that Thailand’s ageing society necessitates governmental attention to quality child care, reported Bangkok Post.

In related news, Thai police dismantled a major online vaping operation, seizing over 24,000 items from a townhouse in Din Daeng, Bangkok. Officers described it as the largest bust of its kind this year.

The raid, conducted on, August 6, at 1pm, was led by high-ranking officials, including Nirandon Lueamsri, Deputy Commissioner of Police, and Thanakrit Jittareerat, Assistant to the Minister of Public Health. They announced the arrest of individuals involved in the illegal sale of electronic cigarettes via online platforms.