Puffing problems: Bangkok seminar on e-cigarettes perils

A pivotal seminar held in Bangkok brought together administrators from 437 educational institutions to confront the escalating concerns surrounding e-cigarettes. Orchestrated by Dr. Puangpetch Chunlaid, Minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, the event commenced promptly at 9 am, aiming to shed light on the pervasive dangers of e-cigarettes within Thailand’s societal landscape, particularly their accessibility to the younger generation.

Dr. Puangpetch delivered a resolute message, emphasizing the imperative need for a collective effort across all sectors of society to combat this burgeoning threat.

This call to action stemmed from Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin’s directive to relevant agencies to proactively address the e-cigarette epidemic, prompted by a surge in complaints filed with the Thai Office of the Consumer Protection Board by concerned guardians, citing illegal sales of e-cigarettes within academic institutions and community areas.

Responding to these alarming reports, a formidable alliance emerged between the Bangkok government, the Ministry of Public Health, and the Royal Thai Police.

Their collaborative efforts bore fruit with the successful shutdown of over 1,700 illicit e-cigarette platforms across the web and various social media channels.

During his address at the seminar, Dr. Puangpetch impassioned a plea to all guardians and school administrators to vigilantly monitor their children and students. He underscored the detrimental health effects of e-cigarettes, warning against their potential harm to bodily health and brain development.

Dr. Puangpetch also implored schools to integrate educational initiatives to raise awareness about the hazards of e-cigarettes, emphasizing the pivotal role of education in combatting their usage.

Concluding his speech, Dr. Puangpetch provided guidelines on reporting illegal e-cigarette sales, encouraging the use of the dedicated hotline number 1166 or the Traffy Fondue application. Alternatively, individuals could utilize any government hotlines available.

His words served as a poignant reminder of the collective responsibility in safeguarding the future of Thailand’s youth against the scourge of e-cigarettes.