The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS) has intervened to assist two children whose young mothers were captured in a viral video vaping in their presence.
The video, which surfaced about a week ago, featured two young mothers, identified only as Por, age 22, and Nut, age 19, vaping while their children—a baby just eight months old and a two-year-old—were nearby.
The clip was shared by the Red Skull Facebook page and sparked widespread online backlash regarding the mothers’ behavior. In response, the video’s creator stated, “Everyone has their own parenting style. What you see might not be what you think. We raise our children happily in our own way. How does that bother anyone else?”
In light of the video, MSDHS Minister Varawut Silpa-archa revealed yesterday that the footage was taken at a residence provided by a rice mill where Ms. Por’s spouse is employed in the Bang Pla Ma district. Ms. Nut, a neighbor of Ms. Por, brought her two-year-old child along during the visit, according to Mr. Varawut.
Ms. Por had been frequently vaping and sharing various video clips on TikTok, and the footage also depicted her two-year-old imitating her vaping actions upon seeing her use the e-cigarette.
Mr. Varawut stated that officials from the Suphan Buri Child and Family Shelter, along with local authorities, conducted an investigation on Monday. They issued warnings to both mothers and provided education on child safety and appropriate parenting practices in line with the Child Protection Act. The children were taken for medical examinations at the shelter.
Authorities will continue to monitor the two mothers and may take legal action if it is determined that their parenting endangers the welfare or health of the children.
According to Mr. Varawut, Thailand’s aging population is prompting the government to prioritize quality child care.
