Thailand Battles Youth Vaping: Record E-Cigarette Seizure
Thailand is waging a war against a burgeoning e-cigarette epidemic, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra. A nationwide crackdown targets major suppliers and distributors amid escalating concerns about youth addiction and potential long-term health problems, especially among teenage girls. Speaking at a press conference in Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi province, on March 18, 2025, the Prime Minister underscored the government’s deep concern over this escalating crisis.
This comprehensive operation, a direct result of the Prime Minister’s directive, yielded a significant law enforcement victory. A raid on ten locations nationwide seized 260,000 e-cigarette devices and accessories, with an estimated street value of 130 million baht (approximately $3.87 million USD). This is the single largest seizure since the campaign began, bringing the total confiscated to 800,000 devices, worth an estimated 200 million baht ($5.95 million USD). Pol. Lt. Gen. Samran Nualma, deputy national police chief, confirmed one arrest and an outstanding warrant for another individual involved. Authorities believe they dismantled one of the country’s largest illegal e-cigarette supply networks, poised to distribute products through over 100 channels nationwide. While each seized device has a base value of around 500 baht ($14.8 USD), inflated retail prices likely contribute to the network’s substantial profits.
The Prime Minister’s focus extends beyond seizing illicit goods. She stressed the importance of establishing a clear legal framework for e-cigarettes, acknowledging the complexities and time involved in legislative processes. In the interim, the government prioritizes dismantling the elaborate production and distribution networks fueling the epidemic. Public education, particularly targeting young people, is crucial to highlighting the legal ramifications and health risks of e-cigarette use. She emphasized the dangers of e-cigarettes, particularly the presence of substances like ketamine and other narcotics that exacerbate addiction.
This operation reflects a broader strategy to tackle the problem at its source. Police prioritize apprehending large-scale producers and smugglers, while simultaneously educating smaller-scale sellers about legal and health implications. Prime Minister Shinawatra assured the public of the government’s unwavering commitment, promising sustained and increasingly stringent enforcement. She addressed concerns about confiscated goods re-entering the market, assuring the public that all seized devices are meticulously cataloged and destined for destruction. Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraphon Sinthuprapai, added that the Customs Department will process and assess the confiscated items, while authorities investigate the entire supply chain and leverage anti-money laundering laws to track related financial transactions.
Adding urgency, the Tobacco Control Foundation recently reported a worrying surge in e-cigarette use among Thai youth, particularly teenage girls. If left unchecked, this trend could dramatically increase smoking-related health risks for women. While conventional cigarette smoking among Thai women has plummeted to 1.3 percent (2021 National Statistics Office survey), a 2022 national survey revealed a stark contrast for e-cigarettes: 15 percent of teenage girls (aged 13–15) reported using them—ten times the rate of traditional cigarette smoking. This underscores the urgent need for intervention. With 20.2 percent of teenage boys also reporting e-cigarette use, the gender gap in smoking rates appears to be narrowing, highlighting the widespread nature of this crisis. The dangers are particularly acute for pregnant women, as the toxic substances in e-cigarettes can severely impact fetal development, leading to complications such as miscarriage and premature birth.
The Thai government’s multi-pronged approach—combining aggressive law enforcement, public education, and legislative action—signals a determined effort to combat this escalating public health crisis. The Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment underscores the gravity of the situation and the determination to protect Thailand’s youth from the insidious allure of e-cigarettes.
