E-Cigarette Crackdown in Thailand: Prime Minister Calls for Strong Action
Government Takes a Tough Stance
Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has issued a directive to crack down on e-cigarettes, warning that any officials found complicit in the illegal trade will face serious consequences. This move comes as the government’s spokesperson, Jirayu Huangsap, revealed that widespread e-cigarette sales have been reported across the Kingdom.
Recent Raids and Seizures
In a statement published on the Royal Thai Government’s website on Monday, Jirayu disclosed that over 3,000 items worth more than 2 million baht were seized during a raid on illegal e-cigarette vendors in the Kannayao and Khok Kham areas of Bangkok on Sunday. The operation covered just one jurisdiction under the Metropolitan Police Bureau, yet numerous illegal vendors were found operating openly, leading to suspicions that some law enforcement officers may be complicit in allowing these shops to operate unchecked.
Corruption and Bribery Allegations
Jirayu highlighted findings from a confidential report on the e-cigarette trade and related corruption. He noted that all apprehended shops were not concealed but operated openly on streets with eye-catching displays, making it unlikely that local police patrols would overlook them. This has led to allegations of corruption and bribery, with some shops operating near schools and reports suggesting that certain officials have accepted bribes to turn a blind eye to these activities.
Task Force Proposal
Jirayu proposed that the Prime Minister establish a task force to combat e-cigarettes and suggested naming it the Doraemon Task Force in reference to the e-cigarette devices styled like Doraemon and other toy-like designs, which appeal to children and youth. He emphasized the need for decisive action, as the situation has escalated to the point where potent drugs are being mixed into e-cigarettes, resulting in youth fatalities, including cases of lung perforation. Alarmingly, the average age of users is decreasing, with some as young as 14 years old now using e-cigarettes.
Conclusion
The Thai government’s crackdown on e-cigarettes is a welcome move, given the growing concerns about the health risks associated with these products. The Prime Minister’s directive to establish a task force to combat e-cigarettes is a step in the right direction. However, it is crucial that the government takes a comprehensive approach to address the issue, including investigating corruption and bribery allegations and ensuring that all law enforcement officers are held accountable for their actions.
FAQs
Q: What is the reason behind the Prime Minister’s decision to crack down on e-cigarettes?
A: The Prime Minister has ordered a crackdown on e-cigarettes due to reports of widespread e-cigarette sales across the Kingdom and concerns about the health risks associated with these products.
Q: How much was seized during the recent raid on illegal e-cigarette vendors?
A: Over 3,000 items worth more than 2 million baht were seized during the raid on illegal e-cigarette vendors in the Kannayao and Khok Kham areas of Bangkok.
Q: What is the average age of e-cigarette users in Thailand?
A: The average age of e-cigarette users is decreasing, with some as young as 14 years old now using e-cigarettes.
Q: What is the proposed name of the task force to combat e-cigarettes?
A: The proposed name is the Doraemon Task Force, in reference to the e-cigarette devices styled like Doraemon and other toy-like designs, which appeal to children and youth.