Photo Credit: Pattaya Mail
The Action on Smoking and Health Foundation has urged the government to take strong action against the increasing use of e-cigarettes, especially among young people.
This call was made by Foundation President Prof. Dr. Prakit Vathesatogkit during an event hosted by the Office of the Royal Society on Monday, held to honor the late Dr. Atthasit Vejjajiva. Dr. Atthasit, a renowned neurologist and a key figure in Thailand’s tobacco control movement, was also the father of former Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva. The event took place in Bangkok.
Prof. Dr. Prakit highlighted the concerning rise of e-cigarette consumption among Thai youths. Referencing data from the National Statistical Office, he noted that the number of e-cigarette users increased more than eleven times from 2021 to 2024, with over 250,000 individuals aged 15–24 identified as regular users.
He also warned about the dangers posed by new-generation e-cigarette products, such as “toy pods,” “nose pods,” and “nicotine pouches,” which are often designed to look like toys or inhalers to appeal to teenagers. These products, widely marketed on social media, contain highly concentrated nicotine, which can lead to irregular heart rhythms, sudden cardiac arrest, and elevate depression risk among youth by two to three times. Prof. Prakit emphasized that such devices often act as a “gateway” to other addictive substances.
The lecture, delivered in memory of Dr. Atthasit, also served to celebrate his lifelong contributions to public health and his leadership in Thailand’s anti-smoking initiatives, which earned international recognition.
Dr. Atthasit served as Dean of Mahidol University’s Faculty of Medicine at Ramathibodi Hospital, Deputy Public Health Minister, Mahidol University President, President of the Royal Society, and a senator.