Thailand Steps Up Curbing of Illegal E-Cigarette Use Among Youth

THAILAND: Thai authorities are gearing up to take decisive action against the illegal use of e-cigarettes, citing concerns over the potential health risks posed to children and adolescents. Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, “The authorities must begin solving the problem right now.”

Rising Prevalence of Vaping Among Minors

Anutin, a non-smoker himself, expressed alarm over the rapid spread of e-cigarette usage among young people, with a concerning increase in the number of minors becoming addicted to vaping. He highlighted the dangers associated with e-cigarettes, which contain toxic chemicals linked to diseases such as cancer, coronary stenosis, and emphysema, much like traditional cigarettes.

Dentists Calling for Stricter E-Cigarette Regulations in Thailand

In response to numerous complaints from parents, the minister has directed state agencies to take legal action against vendors selling vaping products illegally. This move comes as part of a broader effort to protect Thailand’s youth from the potential health hazards of e-cigarettes.

Study Reveals Health Risks for Adolescent Vapers

Ramathibodi Hospital has released findings from a four-year study examining the impact of regular e-cigarette use on adolescents. The study revealed that these adolescents face an increased risk of developing respiratory-related diseases, with a 1.8 times higher likelihood of asthma, a 2.1 times higher risk of bronchitis, and a 1.8 times greater chance of experiencing general breathing difficulties.

Dr. Pongthep Wongwatcharapaiboon, a medical expert, debunked the notion that e-cigarettes can aid in quitting smoking, pointing out that these devices often contain higher levels of nicotine than traditional cigarettes. He stated, “With easier access anywhere and at any time, they are even more dangerous.”

Examining the Impact of Electronic Cigarettes on Peri-Implant Health

Dental Health Implications

Dr. Adirek Sriwatthanawongsathit, president of the Dental Association of Thailand, highlighted the dental health implications of vaping, stating, “Parents are the ones who support their children with resources and opportunities to use e-cigarettes, which is very concerning. They may think they are making them happy, but they are just handing them poison.”

Jadet Thammathataree, secretary-general of the National Health Security Office (NHSO), announced that the NHSO offers a free consultation service via its 1600 hotline for individuals seeking help to quit smoking. He mentioned that the service has helped 32% of people quit smoking, compared to a mere 3% without the consultation.

Alarming Statistics

A survey conducted by the Ministry of Public Health, the Ministry of Education, and the World Health Organization revealed a concerning trend: the rate of e-cigarette use among adolescents aged 13 to 15 years increased by 8.1% in 2021, a significant rise from the 3.3% increase observed in 2015.

With the growing prevalence of vaping among Thailand’s youth, the government’s crackdown on illegal e-cigarettes underscores the urgency of addressing this public health issue and protecting the nation’s children from the potential risks associated with these products.