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Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, the newly appointed chairman of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), has pledged immediate action against the increasing use of e-cigarettes and narcotics among Thai youth. Following a recent board meeting, Mr. Sophon focused on the alarming rise in e-cigarette usage among individuals aged 15–24, a figure that has multiplied tenfold over three years. He emphasized that the government will not generate revenue from the vaping industry.

 

Reports presented at the meeting highlighted the ongoing global health threat from cigarette smoking, responsible for over 8 million annual deaths. In Thailand, smoking rates are declining with 9.8 million smokers as per 2024 data, slightly down from earlier years. Although traditional smoking decreases, e-cigarette usage is surging, with approximately 900,500 users, including 251,600 youths aged 15–24, indicating aggressive tobacco marketing towards younger demographics.

 

Additional data showed significant substance use among Thais, including 1.9 million using kratom and 1.5 million using cannabis and methamphetamine. About 330,000 require rehabilitation, while 220,000 face mental health challenges. Concerns were raised over around 21,000 individuals mixing illegal substances, needing specialized rehab due to risks from multiple drug interactions.

 

Deputy PM Sophon also addressed key health challenges like the country's ageing population and illnesses requiring advanced medical solutions. He stressed tackling personal behavior-induced health issues, such as non-communicable diseases, depression, and drug abuse.

 

Key Takeaways

• ThaiHealth aims to reduce youth e-cigarette and drug use urgently.
• Smoking rates decline, but e-cigarette use rises among teenagers.
• Over 330,000 Thais need rehabilitation due to substance abuse issues.

 

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-10-24

 

 

22 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Deputy Prime Minister Sophon Zarum, the newly appointed chairman of the Thai Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth), has pledged immediate action against the increasing use of e-cigarettes and narcotics among Thai youth. Following a recent board meeting, Mr. Sophon focused on the alarming rise in e-cigarette usage among individuals aged 15–24, a figure that has multiplied tenfold over three years. He emphasized that the government will not generate revenue from the vaping industry

I believe that E-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand.

So why are they readily available from street vendors or even online?