Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has ramped up efforts to tackle public health challenges as it grapples with rising disease risk factors including vaping and influenza.
On February 23, 2568, the Ministry, led by adviser to the Prime Minister Mr. Jirayu Huangsap, conducted enforcement operations against illegal vaping sales in the Ramindra area of Bangkok, acknowledging the rapid spread of e-cigarettes, particularly among young people and near educational institutions. The team, which included officials from the Bureau of Health and the Consumer Protection Board, seized over 3,000 e-cigarettes valued at more than 2 million THB.
Dr. Panumas Yanawetsakool, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, emphasized the move was part of a crackdown on hazardous practices associated with e-cigarette use. “The undeniable appeal of e-cigarettes, with their colorful designs and enticing flavors, often masks the dangers they pose. The inhalation of vapor, especially those containing THC, poses significant risks to lung tissue and can lead to severe health conditions such as EVALI, which have been linked to fatalities,” he stated.
The Department of Disease Control (DDC) has urged the public, particularly minors, to be aware of the dangers associated with e-cigarettes. They reiterated the legal status of these products which fall under strict regulatory control, emphasizing the seriousness of selling such items illegally.
Community members are encouraged to report illicit e-cigarette sales to help combat this growing issue using the Consumer Protection Board hotline at 1166.
Meanwhile, the DDC has also reported on the rising rates of influenza, advising vaccinations to protect against viral infections as the flu season intensifies. Health officials are advocating proactive measures such as getting the flu vaccine and practicing good hygiene to curb the flu's spread.
Persistent surveillance is equally imperative, leading to collaborative efforts by the DDC and healthcare system representatives to develop guidelines for disease control among community workers. These training initiatives are enhancing preventative practices and strengthening the overall disease management framework.
“We are taking steps to establish rigorous protocols for disease monitoring and control, especially focusing on urban health volunteer groups, who are the first line of defense against disease outbreaks,” said Dr. Panumas.
These strategic health initiatives, addressing e-cigarette use and preventive measures against influenza, exemplify Thailand's proactive health policy adaptations to combat current health issues. The concerted effort reflects the Ministry's commitment to safeguarding public health across various fronts, promoting awareness, and encouraging community participation in health governance.
Thai health officials continue to focus on preventive care, aiming to improve the public's health literacy and responsiveness to disease risks through education and outreach.
With these multifaceted health campaigns, Thailand reaffirms its commitment to maintaining and promoting health standards amid challenging health landscapes, ensuring the wellbeing of its citizens now and for years to come.