Thai FDA warns against deadly vape liquid mixed with ketamine
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning about the dangers of Pot K, a vape liquid mixed with ketamine, which can be fatal. Selling this substance can lead to a prison sentence of up to 15 years and a fine of 1.5 million baht. This illegal product has become prevalent among nightlife enthusiasts.
Dr Witit Srisuriyachayakul, Deputy Secretary General of the FDA, revealed yesterday, January 15 that police in Makkasan had arrested individuals involved in selling Pot K, which contains ketamine, a Schedule 2 controlled substance.
This substance is widely circulated through online platforms and distributed to nightclubs in Bangkok. Ketamine, primarily used medically as an anaesthetic and pain reliever, is being misused for its hallucinogenic effects. Prolonged use can lead to psychosis.
High doses of ketamine can cause vomiting, seizures, brain and muscle oxygen deprivation, and potentially death. Long-term use results in both physical and psychological drug dependency.
In Thailand, ketamine is classified as a Schedule 2 controlled substance. Users face imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. Production, import, export, sale, or possession without permission carries a penalty of up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to 700,000 baht.
Engaging in commerce or causing widespread distribution can result in imprisonment from one to 15 years and fines ranging from 100,000 to 1.5 million baht.
The FDA’s deputy secretary-general expressed serious concerns about the misuse of ketamine, emphasising its significant health and safety risks to the public.
Urgent meetings are being organised with relevant agencies to investigate the origins of illegal production, importation, or distribution, and to combat the spread of these illicit vape liquids, reported KhaoSod.
The public is encouraged to report sightings of such illegal activities through the FDA hotline at 1556, press 3, or contact 0 2590 7343, or via the FDA Thai Facebook page. Recently, a foreign national was apprehended for illegally selling “Pot K” and related substances.
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