Thailand Ramps Up Vaping Crackdown Amid Rising Concerns

[webfact]

File photo

 

In a decisive move to clamp down on the illegal trade of vapes, Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has announced a nationwide crackdown targeting illegal vape imports and sales. The initiative, starting immediately, places a strong focus on areas surrounding schools and universities to protect young people from the vaping epidemic.

 

This major operation sees a collaborative effort between the Royal Thai Police, Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Interior, and Customs Department, all working together under a unified mandate. The PM, in her social media updates, underscored the importance of community involvement, urging citizens to report illegal vape activities. "I urge everyone to cooperate in protecting our children and youth from the illegal vape trade. Please do not hesitate to report any sale of vapes to young people to the police," she appealed.

 

This concerted action plan includes stings on illegal vape sales as well as locating covert storage sites for these products. The PM has also emphasised the need to increase public awareness about the health risks posed by vaping — an issue that has become increasingly pressing, given the rapid proliferation of vape products among Thailand’s youth.

 

Heading the enforcement outside Bangkok will be provincial police forces, while the Metropolitan Police Bureau will oversee efforts within the capital. National police chief Pol Gen Kittharath Punpetch shared insights from past efforts, noting that last year, the police orchestrated about 2,000 raids near educational institutions, with public tips leading to many successful busts.

In a stern message aimed at ensuring integrity in the campaign, the Royal Thai Police issued a prior warning to any officers or government officials involved in the vape trade, highlighting that they would face stiffer punishments than ordinary offenders.

 

Tasked with overseeing the crackdown's progress, Prime Minister's Office Minister Jiraporn Sinthuprai will receive a report within 15 days. According to Pol Gen Kittharath, this timeframe should suffice to see the beginning of tangible results in the crackdown efforts.

 

The crackdown comes against the backdrop of a global debate on vaping, with many countries grappling with the balance between harm reduction for adult smokers and preventing youth uptake.

 

In Thailand, the campaign's success will not only hinge on law enforcement but also on sustained community vigilance and education efforts, as the country grapples with this modern, pervasive challenge. With this decisive action, Thailand aims to lead by example in curbing illegal vape trade while safeguarding its youth from potential harms, reported Bangkok Post.

 

-- 2025-02-27

 

 

[flyingtlger]

Let the dummies vape all they want.

Sooner than later, they'll learn the hard way and that ain't a pair of 6's....

 

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[blaze master]

6 minutes ago, flyingtlger said:

Let the dummies vape all they want.

Sooner than later, they'll learn the hard way and that ain't a pair of 6's....

 

.

 

Why is there a weed leaf on your pic of someone using a vape thats not for cannabis ?

[ikke1959]

That should not be too difficult, as when you walk around in Bangkok you will many places which sell e cigarettes  and vapes.. But for a crackdown you need a working policeforce, but that is difficult to fine anywhere in Thailand. Working is bad word