BANGKOK, Thailand – Thailand’s e-cigarette use among young people is rising sharply, with health experts warning that nicotine can harm adolescent brain development and increase the risk of addiction. The 2022 Global Youth Tobacco Survey found that e-cigarette use among Thai students aged 13–15 rose from 3.3% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022, a more than fivefold increase. National Statistical Office figures showed the number of e-cigarette users in Thailand climbed from 78,742 in 2021 to 900,459 in 2024, an increase of more than 11 times.
Social media makes e-cigarettes easier for young people to access
E-cigarettes have become increasingly accessible to children and teenagers through social media. Their compact designs, colourful appearances and range of flavours can make them appealing to young people and easier to conceal than conventional cigarettes. Authorities have also reported rising arrests involving the sale of e-cigarettes to young people, raising concerns about the spread of vaping among teenagers.
Nicotine can affect the developing brain
Adolescents’ brains are still developing, making them particularly vulnerable to nicotine. Exposure can affect areas responsible for attention, learning and impulse control, while contributing to irritability, memory problems, mood swings, headaches, difficulty concentrating and depression.
Nicotine also affects dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in the brain’s reward system, potentially reinforcing dependence and increasing vulnerability to other substance use.
Six areas of health concern
E-cigarette use has been linked to a range of health risks, including:
- Respiratory problems: coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulties and potential long-term lung damage.
- Cancer risks: exposure to certain chemicals that may be carcinogenic.
- Immune system effects: possible disruption of immune responses and the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Heart and blood vessel problems: increased blood pressure and potential cardiovascular effects.
- Neurological effects: headaches, dizziness, sleep problems and impaired concentration.
- Digestive problems: nausea, indigestion and acid reflux.
The extent of some long-term risks is still being studied, but e-cigarettes are not harmless, particularly for adolescents.
Practical steps to quit vaping
People who want to stop vaping can begin by identifying their reasons for quitting, setting a specific quit date and recognizing situations or emotions that trigger the urge to smoke. Some may prefer to stop immediately, while others may need a gradual plan. Nicotine withdrawal can cause irritability, anxiety, fatigue, sleep difficulties and poor concentration, but these symptoms generally improve over time.
Support from trusted family members and friends can help. People struggling to quit can contact Thailand’s smoking cessation hotline at 1600 or consult a doctor or qualified healthcare professional about suitable treatment, including nicotine replacement therapy when appropriate. Early support is particularly important for teenagers, helping them break nicotine dependence before it becomes more difficult to overcome.
