Thailand's Ministry of Public Health has ramped up its initiatives to combat the alarming rise of e-cigarette usage among youth, responding to recent reports of health complications linked to vaping.
On February 22, 2023, six students from Buriram province were hospitalized after experiencing chest pain, breathing difficulties, and fatigue, allegedly due to regular use of e-cigarettes. Dr. Panumart Yanwatthakoon, the director of the Department of Disease Control, responded decisively, assigning Dr. Chayanon Sittibuts to closely monitor the situation.
Dr. Chayanon reported on the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes across all provinces, particularly within vulnerable populations like children and teenagers. He stated, “There’s substantial academic evidence about the dangers of e-cigarettes, indicating they can cause lung inflammation known as EVALI (E-cigarette or Vaping product use Associated Lung Injury), which can be life-threatening if untreated.” The dangers of e-cigarettes primarily stem from their high nicotine content, which poses risks of addiction and detrimental effects on cognitive development.
The Department of Disease Control reiterated its cautionary message targeting minors and urged educational institutions and parents to remain vigilant. E-cigarettes not only contain nicotine but may also harbor various harmful substances, potentially leading to severe respiratory issues.
On February 23, 2023, the Thai government escalated its crackdown on illegal e-cigarette sales. Jirayu Huangsap, advisor to the Prime Minister, led operations against shops selling e-cigarettes around educational institutions and residential communities, particularly in the Ramindra area of Bangkok. Health officials confiscated more than 3,000 e-cigarettes valued over 2 million baht, including various forms such as disposable units and cartoon-themed products aimed at enticing young users.
This operation, part of a broader initiative spearheaded by the Department of Disease Control, Consumer Protection Board, and the Metropolitan Health Bureau, aims to curb the illegal distribution of e-cigarettes, which are deemed hazardous commodities. “The rapid spread of vaping is alarming due to its attractive branding, bright colors, and convenient use,” cautioned officials. The vaping menace, particularly among adolescents, poses severe health risks, with incidents of EVALI on the rise, which may even lead to fatalities if not adequately addressed.
The Department of Disease Control has made it clear—it is imperative for all medical facilities to inquire about patients' vaping history and report any suspected cases of lung issues stemming from e-cigarette use for immediate investigation.
For community members witnessing illegal e-cigarette sales, authorities encourage reporting through the National Police hotline at 1599 to join the fight against youth exposure to vaping products.
Alongside these urgent measures, additional initiatives are being undertaken by health officials to bolster disease surveillance and outbreak management. The Epidemiology Bureau is conducting studies on Digital Disease Surveillance targeting influenza to achieve timely and effective public health responses.
Experts are also collaborating on developing guidelines for volunteer disease control inspectors within urban workplaces, underscoring the government’s proactive approach to health risks.
The increasing focus on e-cigarette regulation highlights the Thai authorities' commitment to safeguarding public health, particularly among vulnerable youngsters as vaping culture proliferates. The integration of preventative health campaigns with strict enforcement measures presents a multifaceted strategy to combat the hazards associated with e-cigarettes and promote healthier lifestyles within the community.