Bangkok: Doctors and academics have come together to intensify efforts in educating parents, guardians, and teachers about the dangers of e-cigarettes and the marketing tactics targeting children and youth. This collaboration aims to raise awareness about the health risks associated with these products and the strategies employed by manufacturers to appeal to younger demographics.
According to Thai News Agency, the Health Promotion Foundation (ThaiHealth) Office 1 recently organized a seminar titled 'Being aware of e-cigarettes, a danger close to children and youth.' The seminar aimed to inform parents and guardians about the increasing prevalence of e-cigarettes among the youth, highlighting the marketing strategies used by manufacturers to attract younger users.
In Thailand, the rate of e-cigarette use among individuals aged 15 and over in 2024 was recorded at 900,459, representing 1.52% of the total smoking population of 9.7 million. This marks a substantial rise from 2014, when there were only 48,336 e-cigarette users, or 0.10% of the smoking population.
The trend of e-cigarette usage among Thai youth remains a critical concern, with manufacturers targeting this group through the introduction of products like 'toy pods' and 'nose pods.' These items are designed to be colorful, attractive, and easy to use, resembling toys such as dolls, making them appealing to children and youth. The recent introduction of 'nose pods,' which mimic inhalers, further blurs the line between toys and tobacco products. Many young people mistakenly believe these products are harmless. Therefore, it is crucial for parents, teachers, and the media to collaborate in educating the youth about the inherent dangers of these disguised tobacco products.