Thailand to Penalize Vape Users and Sellers Near Schools

The Bangkok city government has announced a new, stringent initiative to crack down on the sale and use of vapes or e-cigarettes around schools. The aim is to achieve a 100 percent smoke-free and drug-free environment in and around schools throughout the Thai capital.

This ambitious plan was launched on February 25 at a meeting of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Narcotics Suppression and Prevention Operations Center (BMA-NSOC), led by Bangkok Deputy Governor Thavida Kamolvej.

The move comes amid concerns about the increasing ease with which children can obtain vapes, particularly through online platforms, as reported by The Straits Times on Monday (3/3/2025).

1. Bangkok Government’s Seriousness in Tackling Vapes and Drugs

At the meeting, the main agenda included updates on various anti-drug programs, such as a TikTok-based creative media competition aimed at raising awareness, and the latest drug situation report in Bangkok.

Progress reports were also presented on the city’s social rehabilitation centers, budget disbursement, community strengthening projects, and ongoing monitoring of kratom, cannabis, and e-cigarette trends.

The main focus of the discussion was the alarming increase in e-cigarette use among young people. Officials expressed particular concern about vapes as a gateway to more serious drug use.

2. Stopping All Legal and Illegal E-Cigarette Sales in School Environments

To address this, Bangkok is deploying city police for patrols and operations to prevent the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and other narcotics to children.

The top priority will be to stop all e-cigarette sales, both retail and covert, in and around school environments. This initial stage will be followed by strict action throughout the city to ensure strong enforcement of the new regulations.

Initially, there must be a total ban on legal and illegal vape sales in these areas, with plans to expand to other locations to ensure strict action is taken. Next, inter-agency coordination and effective information sharing are crucial.

3. Thai PM Calls for Amendments to Laws on Vape Use and Business

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has instructed officials to intensify the crackdown on e-cigarettes. He also wants changes to the law to increase penalties amid the crisis of teenagers using e-cigarettes and allegations of corruption among officials supporting the illegal business.

“The order was issued following a briefing on the nationwide use of e-cigarettes and its negative impact on youth,” said government spokesman Jirayu Huangsub.

“The problem has escalated to the point where strong narcotic mixtures are being made for abuse with e-cigarettes. Meanwhile, the minimum age of abusers has not reached 14 years,” he added, as quoted by the Bangkok Post.

This increased response also addresses public concerns or the case of three Buri Ram schoolgirls who have been hospitalized for a week due to lung complications from vaping.

Previously, the government had called for strict action against the import and sale of illegal vape products. However, these efforts have been ineffective, and the problem continues to escalate.

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Matthew Ma

Marketing at Ecigator

With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.