Thailand Cracking Down on Vaping in Schools

Credit: a3701027

Thailand’s Office of the Basic Education Commission (OBEC) is set to implement strict measures, including personal belongings checks, in an attempt to curb the use of vapes in schools after a “surge” in usage among students.

The Deputy Secretary-General of OBEC, Thee Pawangkanan, has expressed concerns over the increasing usage of e-cigarettes among Thai students aged 13-15. According to media reports, there have also been cases of vape usage among first-graders, as young as six and seven years old, making them the youngest smokers.

Obec is considering conducting bag searches to screen for illegal and inappropriate objects, including e-cigarettes, before students enter classrooms. Pawangkanan said the measures will be imposed at schools starting on May 15, the first day of the new term.