Vaping a chance: Thailand aims to clear the air for 20,000 youths
The Public Health Ministry plans to rehabilitate 20,000 young e-cigarette users as part of its efforts to curb the spread of e-cigarettes, according to Minister Somsak Thepsutin. vaping a chance: health ministry aims to clear the air for 20,000 youths!
Somsak’s announcement came in response to concerns raised by Senator Premsak Piayura during a Senate meeting about the increasing use of e-cigarettes among teenagers and the effectiveness of government control measures.
The ministry is focused on comprehensive rehabilitation for young vapers, aiming to integrate 20,000 users into the national rehabilitation system through hospital screenings.
Premsak referenced a report from the National Statistical Office indicating that, in 2021, at least 80,000 people aged 15 and over were using e-cigarettes.
Additionally, a report from the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) revealed that 1,189 (or 17.6%) of 6,752 Thai youths aged 13 to 15 surveyed in 2022 were vape users. This figure is 5.3 times higher than what the CDC recorded in 2015.
Somsak emphasised that addressing the issue of e-cigarettes among minors is one of the Public Health Ministry’s urgent policies for the current fiscal year.
The ministry launched a framework to combat the spread of e-cigarettes. This includes monitoring and enforcing related laws, strengthening cooperation between partners, enhancing policies and control measures, and raising awareness of the dangers of vaping.
In May, the National Tobacco Product Control Committee and the Department of Disease Control formed an integrated task force to enforce laws regarding e-cigarettes.
Somsak noted that the task force has seized more than 60,000 vaping devices and liquids, valued at 18 million baht overall.
The health minister also highlighted the ministry’s focus on improving measures to promote good health among teens and preventing young people from using vapes, reported Bangkok Post.
“We are committed to creating a healthier environment for our youth.”
What Other Media Are Saying
- Caron Treatment Centers emphasises the urgent need to address teen vaping, highlighting the addictive nature of nicotine, lung damage risks, and the importance of immediate intervention and support to help teens quit vaping. (Read more)
- American Lung Association highlights the need to end the youth vaping epidemic with initiatives like #DoTheVapeTalk and the Vape-Free Schools program, emphasizing education and policy change to combat nicotine addiction. (Read more)
- Time highlights the urgent need for vaping addiction treatment, noting scarce resources and experimental strategies, as parents and doctors struggle to help youth hooked on nicotine. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the Public Health Ministry’s plan for young vape users?
Rehabilitate 20,000 young vape users through hospital screenings.
How many teenagers were reported as vape users in 2021?
At least 80,000 people aged 15 and over were e-cigarette users.
What did the 2022 CDC survey reveal about Thai youths and vaping?
1,189 (or 17.6%) of 6,752 Thai youths aged 13 to 15 were vape users.
What actions has the ministry taken to combat the spread of e-cigarettes?
Seized over 60,000 vaping devices and liquids, worth 18 million baht.
What measures are included in the ministry’s framework to battle e-cigarettes?
Monitoring and enforcing laws, cooperation between partners, enhancing policies and raising awareness.
