BANGKOK, Thailand – The Thai government is stepping up controls on e-cigarettes in schools and urging parents to closely monitor their children, warning about the risks of e-cigarettes, which often use cute and trendy designs to attract young people. Airin Phantharit, Deputy Government Spokesperson, said the Ministry of Education has ordered all schools to be e-cigarette-free zones, banning staff from using, selling, or possessing e-cigarettes. Disciplinary measures will be applied to anyone found violating these rules.
Statistics from the National Statistical Office in 2024 show that the number of e-cigarette users in Thailand has surged 11.44 times, from 78,742 in 2021 to 900,459 in 2024, with 251,625 users aged 15–24.
Airin noted that the government is working across all sectors to prevent, suppress, and prosecute illegal e-cigarette sales. So far, over 200 cases have been prosecuted, with confiscated goods valued at more than 1 billion baht. However, e-cigarettes are still being sold online at low prices, often in colorful, cartoon-like designs, with a variety of flavors and even some mixed with Etomidate — known as “zombie cigarettes” — which can cause hallucinations, confusion, and severe health risks.
Although e-cigarettes do not produce smoke from burning, their vapor contains many harmful chemicals, particularly nicotine, which is highly addictive and can affect the brain similarly to heroin or methamphetamine.
Parents are advised to watch for signs of e-cigarette use, such as unexplained spending, drowsiness, depression, irritability, unusual odors, social withdrawal, changing friend groups, or carrying items resembling pens, flash drives, or popular cartoon toys. Those seeking help with quitting can contact the Drug Treatment Hotline at 1165 or visit www.pmnidat.go.th (TNA)
