National —
On December 10th, 2024, education expert Sompong Jitradab expressed serious concerns about the upcoming parliamentary committee’s review of e-cigarette regulations, scheduled for December 12th.
The committee will evaluate whether to legalize the sale of e-cigarettes in Thailand, a move that has faced strong opposition from citizen groups, youth networks, and foundations, with nearly 600,000 signatures submitted against legalization.
Sompong criticized the committee’s credibility, alleging bias due to the involvement of private sector representatives linked to the e-cigarette industry. He highlighted alleged aggressive marketing tactics targeting youth as young as 8 years old, portraying vaping as trendy and accessible, especially via online platforms.
E-cigarettes, including cartoon-themed devices, are now reportedly used by children as young as second grade, claimed Sompong.
Sompong revealed that from 2015 to 2022, the number of young e-cigarette users has surged by 2-3 times. Health studies show that vaping causes significant harm, including impaired brain development, higher risks of depression, and chronic diseases affecting the respiratory, cardiovascular, and nervous systems.
TPN media notes, however, that this rise came during a period when vaping has been completely banned entirely and prohibited, leading supporters of legalisation to make vaping legal to point out that this shows a total ban is a complete failure and thoughtful regulation is a better alternative.
He also warned of broader societal impacts, such as increased youth crime and a potential alleged rise in PM2.5 pollution levels. It’s noted that similar arguments were made to decriminalization of cannabis, notes TPN, but neither arguments ended up developing as feared.
Advocates for legalization argue it could help increase tax revenue by regulating the currently underground market. However, Sompong cited studies showing that the cost of treating e-cigarette-related illnesses is allegedly three times higher than the tax revenue generated.
He urged policymakers not to focus solely on financial benefits, warning that legalization could damage societal values and exacerbate the spread of vaping among youth.
Sompong also noted that many parents and teachers fail to detect e-cigarette use among children, mistaking devices for school supplies or toys. Alarmingly, the trend is growing among fifth and sixth graders, particularly girls, who see it as a symbol of equality and sophistication.
Fourteen medical associations in Thailand have taken a unified stance against legalizing e-cigarettes. Sompong called on lawmakers to carefully weigh all perspectives, cautioning that a decision in favor of legalization could lead to long-term harm to public health and social integrity.
Cannabis, however, remains decriminalized in Thailand and attempts to recriminalize it entirely under former Thai PM Srettha Thavisin have failed, leading to regulation being the future plan, notes TPN media.
This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.
