Report Thailand Cracks Down on E-Cigarette Smokers Amid Health Concerns

[snoop1130]

File photo for reference only

 

The Thai government is intensifying its crackdown on e-cigarettes, focusing not just on smugglers and distributors but also on users. Officials have warned that e-cigarette smokers could now face charges for receiving smuggled goods, a stern measure aiming to discourage the rising trend of vaping, particularly among the youth.

 

Deputy government spokesman, Anukul Prueksa-anurak, outlined the new enforcement strategy on Thursday, highlighting that smokers can be prosecuted under the Customs Act. This offence carries significant penalties, including a possible five-year jail term and fines up to four times the value of the smuggled goods plus any duty.

 

Despite e-cigarettes being illegal in Thailand, their availability remains widespread, even in areas close to schools. This accessibility has contributed to a concerning increase in vaping among young people, which has been thrust into the spotlight following recent teen hospitalisations with vaping-related lung damage.

 

Research from Ramathibodi Hospital has underscored the severity of the issue, revealing that treatment for vaping-related illnesses such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, heart attack, and asthma cost the hospital approximately 306 million baht last year.

 

 

 

Prueksa-anurak also pointed out the growing prevalence of vaping, noting a sharp increase in users aged 15-29 years, from 5.8% in 2019 to 12.2% in 2024.

 

In response to these alarming statistics, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered an intensified crackdown, especially targeting online sales channels. Anukul mentioned that since the crackdown's commencement, both sales and the number of e-cigarette users have seen a promising decline of over 80%.

 

As Thailand tackles this public health challenge, the government hopes that tougher enforcement will deter the use of illegal e-cigarettes and ultimately safeguard the health of its younger population.

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-04-24

 

 

 

[JoePai]

Stop using these vape things and use cigarettes      🤣

[ikke1959]

OK... agreed but do it also on cigarettes as they are even more dangerous for your health than vaping. And also give the same punishment/fines to the policemen, government officials, teachers, high ranked officials and army as for the common people and foreigners...As i have seen many vaping all over the country so there is a lot of work to do. But do it also for the cigarettes no exceptions

[Pouatchee]

2 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

cost the hospital approximately 306 million baht last year.

 

cost the hospital, or the state? I doubt hospitals would be willing to lose a dime