Youth Vaping Surge Urges Nationwide Action Against E-Cigarettes

[snoop1130]

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Civil networks are pushing for e-cigarettes to become a national concern as vaping among young people surged last year. The Senate committee on Social Development discussed this issue in a seminar on January 30, held at Parliament.

 

Participants included government officials, private sector representatives, and groups like the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation and the Thai Health Promotion Foundation.

 

Committee chair Varapas Phaiphannarat highlighted a 2022 report showing a dramatic rise in 15 to 24-year-old vapers—from 24,050 to 269,533. Alarmingly, 43% of primary school students aged 9 to 12 had tried e-cigarettes, particularly girls.

 

 

The seminar aimed to boost awareness of e-cigarette dangers, urging families, schools, and communities to take action. Talks also focused on improving law enforcement and developing youth-focused policies supporting the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

 

Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit, head of the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation in Thailand, noted a national survey finding that 17% of teens aged 13 to 15 were using e-cigarettes, potentially rising to 20-30%. He warned of the nicotine risks, linking vaping to increased depression and academic struggles. Dr. Prakit advised against legalising e-cigarettes, citing negative impacts seen in the Philippines, such as increased smoking, illegal trade, and decreased tax revenue.

 

-- 2025-02-03

 

 

[connda]

Vaping:  Dangerous, competes with Thai tobacco monopolies, and needs to be outlawed.
Cigarettes: Perfectly safe, good for your health, and supports Thai tobacco monopolies.