According to the Pattaya Post, a nationwide survey conducted by Thailand’s Department of Health Services Support (DHSS) found that about 9.1 percent of Thai youth use e-cigarettes, causing serious concern among Thai public health officials.
The survey, which collected responses from more than 60,000 respondents between April 25 and June 6, 2023, showed that 14.6 percent of young people in the Bangkok area use e-cigarettes, ranking first in the country.
The survey found that 92.2% of the surveyed teenagers began to use e-cigarettes because of the influence of friends. At the same time, 3.2 percent said a family member introduced their use of e-cigarettes, and 1.6 percent said a family member introduced their use.
In addition, 43.9% admitted to using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes.
Meanwhile, another study cited by Surachete Phosaeng, deputy secretary general of the Thai Youth Research Institute, showed that 95.4% of the 300 young people detained at youth practice and training centers across the country were smokers, and 79.3% of them used e-cigarettes.
The Thai Center for Tobacco Control Research and Knowledge Management emphasizes that minors who use e-cigarettes may develop health problems faster and more seriously than adults because their bodies are still developing. Public health officials are concerned about the situation and urge young people to reject peer influence and avoid using e-cigarettes or any tobacco products.
The use of e-cigarettes is currently banned in Thailand, but domestic groups opposed to the ban want the new Thai government to take new action to learn from international experience and scientific evidence after the 2023 elections. In scientific theory, this will help reduce the negative effects on smokers and protect minors from e-cigarette products.
Previously, WHO encouraged the new Thai government to continue banning the import and sale of e-cigarettes and various new types of tobacco. DHSS Deputy Commissioner Samart Thirasak said the department has launched media and other campaigns to discourage young people from smoking and is supported by youth health volunteer groups.