File photo for reference only

 

The Action on Smoking and Health Foundation has urgently appealed to the government over rising e-cigarette usage, especially among young people. The call, highlighted by Prof Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit, was made at an event commemorating Dr Atthasit Vejjajiva, a renowned neurologist and tobacco control advocate, in Bangkok.

 

Prof Dr Prakit raised concerns about the dramatic surge in e-cigarette use among Thai youth, citing an 11-fold increase between 2021 and 2024. Data shows over 250,000 young people aged 15–24 are now regular users. New e-cigarette products, such as toy-like pods and inhalers, designed to attract teenagers, are responsible for this rise.

 

He also noted the health risks posed by e-cigarettes, stressing that they often contain high nicotine levels, which can lead to irregular heartbeats, cardiac arrest, and increased depression risks. These products are heavily promoted on social media, creating a "gateway" to further substance abuse.

 

Prof Dr Prakit delivered his message at an event honouring Dr Atthasit, known for his significant contributions to public health and tobacco control. Dr Atthasit, a former dean at Mahidol University who held various prominent roles, left an imprint that continues in the healthcare sector, reported the Bangkok Post.

 

Looking forward, the foundation is pressing for stronger regulations to curb e-cigarette marketing and protect young people from these new threats. Their call for action comes amidst concerns about the long-term health impacts on the nation’s youth.

 

Key Takeaways:

 

• E-cigarette use has risen significantly among Thai youths.
• New products target teenagers, posing serious health risks.
• The government is urged to implement stricter regulations.

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  Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2025-11-05

 

 

vaping, phones glued to their hands.. Younger generation today is handicapping themselves they can not even imagine.  The simple joy of walking to school observing the surroundings, reading a book quietly, and so many other things.  Their brains are constantly  being stimulated too much.  No ability to focus or concentrate for any length of time

2 hours ago, webfact said:

Action on Smoking and Health Foundation

 

I wonder who founded and funds this foundation.  Sounds like a tobacco industry ruse. 

2 hours ago, gk10012001 said:

Their brains are constantly  being stimulated too much

 

Too much chicken chokage instead of finding a real girl, too. 

If e cigarettes are illegal, how come that many can buy and use them/? Where is the enforcement of the law ?? Or are those who have to enforce the law involved and are vaping themselves too??? If tghe problem is getting out of hand just as with e cigarrettes, make them legal with strict rules that can be enforced...Better for the tourists who are vaping too.. Maybe they will come

6 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

I wonder who founded and funds this foundation.  Sounds like a tobacco industry ruse. 

100%

14 minutes ago, WHansen said:

100%

Can you provide a link? I would like to read up on that.

 

Wasn't there a virtually identical article like this published last month? 🤔

 

Also, last week there was an article saying that the government are considering legalising them 🙄

10 hours ago, webfact said:

He also noted the health risks posed by e-cigarettes, stressing that they often contain high nicotine levels, which can lead to irregular heartbeats, cardiac arrest, and increased depression risks. These products are heavily promoted on social media, creating a "gateway" to further substance abuse.

There's a bit to unpack here.  High nicotine levels? A 3% - 5% nicotine vape is actually pretty low and these are the most common with disposable vapes. Irregular heartbeats? Yes, nicotine can increase heartrates. Cardiac arrests?  Possible but rare. You'd really have to be on the vape a lot. Depression? Nicotine affects dopamine levels so any depression would be from cessation of nictotine intake or vaping at such levels that the dopamine effect is no longer able to produce the 'hit' feeling. A "gateway" to further substance abuse. This is simply ludicrous. Start vaping and soon enough you'll be shooting up heroin. Ridiculous.  

13 hours ago, jvs said:

Can you provide a link? I would like to read up on that.

 

 

Waiting for permission to connect the dots?  

14 hours ago, WHansen said:

100%

Thailand Tobacco Monopoly, foe want of a better guess. Probably one of the very few businesses that CP hasn't got their hands on, as it is run by the State, under the Ministry of Finance.

23 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

make them legal with strict rules that can be enforced...Better for the tourists who are vaping too.. Maybe

If the police won't enforce the law on ILLEGAL vaping why would they bother to enforce the RULES if vaping was made legal?  Doesn't make much sense to me.

23 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

make them legal with strict rules that can be enforced...Better for the tourists who are vaping too.. Maybe

If the police won't enforce the law on ILLEGAL vaping why would they bother to enforce the RULES if vaping was made legal?  Doesn't make much sense to me.

16 hours ago, dinsdale said:

There's a bit to unpack here.  High nicotine levels? A 3% - 5% nicotine vape is actually pretty low and these are the most common with disposable vapes. Irregular heartbeats? Yes, nicotine can increase heartrates. Cardiac arrests?  Possible but rare. You'd really have to be on the vape a lot. Depression? Nicotine affects dopamine levels so any depression would be from cessation of nictotine intake or vaping at such levels that the dopamine effect is no longer able to produce the 'hit' feeling. A "gateway" to further substance abuse. This is simply ludicrous. Start vaping and soon enough you'll be shooting up heroin. Ridiculous.  

The delivery method of nicotine in vaping is LESS harmful than burning tobacco in a cigarette.  The tar and the excess heating of the other components in the cigarettes is what is the most common toxic cause for severe lung disease.  Vapes and their e-juice, IF REGULATED, are indeed LESS harmful.  
Countries like Dubai (about 8 yrs ago) and Malaysia (I think 2 yrs ago) made vaping legal and have licensed shops selling them, including state taxes.  
Kids will always be kids, they will always find ways to try the prohibited it seems to be a part of growing up.  Doubt it can be stopped under any circumstance.  Make vaping legal and regulated and the chances of falling prey to illegal/toxic e-juice substance lessens.  
It is quite hypocritical that cigarettes are legal when the new, LESS harmful e-cigs are illegal in Thailand.  This does cause some serious problems for tourists coming from Europe who are all of a sudden considered criminals and made to pay fines or perhaps even incarcerated for a (admittedly bad) habit that is totally accepted in European/western society. 

On 11/5/2025 at 8:34 AM, webfact said:

The Action on Smoking and Health Foundation has urgently appealed to the government over rising e-cigarette usage, especially among young people. The call, highlighted by Prof Dr Prakit Vathesatogkit, was made at an event commemorating Dr Atthasit Vejjajiva, a renowned neurologist and tobacco control advocate, in Bangkok.

Supposedly illegal yet widely available... someone isn't doing their ob?

If weed can be legal why not E cigs