NONTHABURI — Thai Prime Minister has launched a nationwide crackdown on e-cigarettes, targeting major suppliers amid growing concerns about youth addiction and health risks, particularly among teenage girls where usage rates have skyrocketed.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who has instructed the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Higher Education to step up efforts against e-cigarettes, emphasized that the government is deeply concerned about the potential of e-cigarettes to develop into a drug problem.
She warned that substances contained in e-cigarettes, such as ketamine and other narcotics, can be highly addictive and difficult to give up. Several cases have already led to fatal consequences, making it imperative for the authorities to crack down.
At her recent press conference on March 18, the Prime Minister praised law enforcement agencies for their coordination and successful seizure of a large shipment of smuggled e-cigarettes.
The operation targeted one of the country’s largest illegal e-cigarette suppliers, which was prepared to distribute the products through more than 100 networks across the country. Each seized unit had an estimated base value of 500 baht ($14.8), although actual retail prices could be higher.
The deputy national police chief Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nualma said authorities had seized 260,000 e-cigarette devices and accessories worth about 130 million baht ($3.87 million) in a raid on 10 locations. Since the Prime Minister’s directive, law enforcement agencies have seized a total of 800,000 devices worth 200 million baht ($5.95). However, this latest operation is the largest to date. Currently, one suspect has been arrested and an arrest warrant has been issued for another person.
Strict Disposal of Confiscated Goods
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for a clear legal framework for e-cigarettes and acknowledged that legislative processes take time. At the moment, the government is focusing on dismantling the large production and distribution networks and educating the public and young people about the legal consequences.
The police are implementing strict measures, prioritizing the arrest of large-scale producers and smugglers while educating smaller sellers. The Prime Minister assured the public that these efforts will continue with increasing rigor and that the police are fully aware of the government’s commitment.
When asked if the crackdown might be temporary, she explained that while there might be some confusion initially, the results will be visible with time. She emphasized that it is the responsibility of the Prime Minister and the government to provide clarity on the matter and urged the public to support these efforts.
As for the confiscated items, the Prime Minister assured the public that there is no danger of them being resold or misused. Each seized device has been identified and will be properly destroyed to prevent the release of harmful substances.
Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraphon Sinthuprapai, added that all seized goods will be handed over to the Customs Department for legal processing and assessment. The authorities will also investigate the supply chain to trace the distribution networks nationwide and will apply anti-money laundering laws to track down financial transactions related to these illegal businesses.
Rising Trend of E-Cigarette Use Among Thai Women
The Tobacco Control Foundation recently reported a growing trend of e-cigarette use among Thai youth, especially teenage girls. If left unchecked, this could lead to a significant increase in smoking-related health risks for women.
While a 2021 survey by the National Statistics Office showed that the rate of conventional cigarette smoking among Thai women had dropped to 1.3 percent, a 2022 national survey found that 15% of teenage girls aged 13–15 used e-cigarettes, ten times higher than the rate of conventional cigarette smoking. Meanwhile, 20.2 percent of teenage boys reported using e-cigarettes. Recent surveys suggest that smoking rates are now almost equal for both genders.
“If this situation continues, the overall rate of smoking both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes among women will increase sharply, and this increase is already underway,” said Phueksanusak, deputy government spokesman.
He also pointed out that women who smoke, regardless of the type of cigarette, tend to find it harder to quit smoking than men. Furthermore, the long-term health consequences of addiction can be severe, affecting multiple organ systems. Due to hormonal differences, women have a higher risk of developing serious health problems compared to men.
The dangers are even greater for pregnant women. Toxic substances such as nicotine, carbon monoxide and other harmful chemicals from e-cigarettes can enter the placenta via the mother’s respiratory tract. This exposure can lead to serious complications, including miscarriages, premature births and life-threatening risks to newborns due to underdeveloped organs.
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