Thailand cracks down on illegal e-cigarettes to protect children

Authorities in Thailand are set to take decisive action against the illegal use of e-cigarettes, emphasising the need to protect children from the health risks associated with vaping.

Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declared that the country has ignored the issue for too long, during an event commemorating World No Tobacco Day yesterday.

“The authorities must begin solving the problem right now.”

Anutin, a non-smoker, highlighted the rapid spread of e-cigarettes among young people, with an alarming rise in the number of addicted minors. Like traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that can lead to diseases such as cancer, coronary stenosis, and emphysema. In response to numerous complaints from parents, the minister has directed state agencies to take legal action against vendors.

Ramathibodi Hospital also released a statement yesterday condemning all forms of smoking and urged the government to enforce regulations banning the importation and distribution of e-cigarettes.

The hospital presented findings from its latest four-year study on adolescents who regularly use e-cigarettes or vapes. The study showed that these adolescents are at higher risk of developing respiratory-related diseases: 1.8 times for asthma, 2.1 times for bronchitis, and 1.8 times for general breathing difficulties.

The Dental Association and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) launched a campaign warning young people about the dangers of vaping. Dr Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon explained that e-cigarettes may appear appealing due to their lack of smoke, pleasant smells, and portability.

While some individuals use e-cigarettes to reduce stress, Dr Pongthep warned that this is merely a trick played by nicotine on the mind.

“As nicotine stimulates the release of dopamine, the chemical of happiness, vaping may seem good at first, but it is a fake happiness. It creates a whiff of pleasure without doing anything meaningful and can lead to addiction and depression in the end.”

According to some vapers, the sensation of stress relief or mild euphoria only lasts two to three minutes.

Dangers of vaping

Dr Pongthep also debunked the belief that vapes can help people quit smoking regular cigarettes, noting that e-cigarettes contain more nicotine than traditional ones.

“With easier access anywhere and at any time, they are even more dangerous.”

Dr Adirek Sriwatthanawongsathit, president of the Dental Association of Thailand, pointed out that e-cigarettes also increase the risk of gum disease, which can result in tooth loss.

He issued a message for parents.

“Parents are the ones who support their children with resources and opportunities to use e-cigarettes, which is very concerning. They may think they are making them happy, but they are just handing them poison.”

Jadet Thammathataree, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), announced that the NHSO offers a free consultation service via its 1600 hotline for people who wish to quit smoking. He mentioned that the service can help 32% of people quit smoking, compared to 3% without the consultation, reported Bangkok Post.

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education, and the World Health Organisation revealed that the rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years rose by 8.1% in 2021, compared to a 3.3% increase in 2015.