Concern is intensifying over the influence of online personalities on youth vaping, as many parents report difficulty in addressing the issue effectively.
Thanicha Limpanich, chair of the Smoke-Free Family Network, revealed new findings indicating a sharp rise in young people’s exposure to e-cigarettes, alongside growing anxiety among parents.
The findings were unveiled during a Songkran campaign promoting smoke-free families, organised by health and family networks on Friday.
According to Ms Thanicha, a nationwide survey of 2,037 respondents found that 97.9% believed children are encountering e-cigarettes at an earlier age than in previous years, particularly over the past one to two years.
Nearly 98% of respondents said e-cigarettes were easily accessible, while 99.1% of parents voiced concern over emerging addictive substances, including e-cigarettes and cannabis-related products.
Significantly, 83.5% pointed to online advertising and influencers as major drivers of youth uptake, underscoring the increasing impact of digital media on children and teenagers.
“Children and youth are being exposed faster than families can prepare. Influencers and online content are accelerating this risk,” Ms Thanicha said. Despite the high level of concern, 31.5% of parents acknowledged they lacked confidence in discussing risky behaviours with their children.
“Even though most parents are aware, many still do not know how to communicate effectively with their children about these new substances,” she added.
The survey further found that while 86.5% of respondents understood e-cigarettes remain illegal in Thailand, 41.1% believed enforcement measures are insufficient to adequately protect young people.
Proposed policy responses include maintaining the ban on imports and sales, tightening legal penalties, and restricting online distribution channels.
Schools and local communities are also being encouraged to serve as safe environments, offering support systems for at-risk youth rather than relying solely on punitive approaches.
Vorasith Siripornpanich of Mahidol University warned that nicotine exposure can have serious effects on brain development in children.
“Nicotine stimulates the brain’s addiction pathways. Repeated exposure in children impacts the frontal brain, which controls reasoning and decision-making,” he said.
He also highlighted the role of behavioural imitation. “If children regularly see family members smoking, they are more likely to imitate and become new smokers.”
Kritchanon Jitjaroenporn, a campaign participant, recounted his own experience of starting smoking during secondary school after observing his father. He later developed health complications before successfully quitting.
“Now my health has improved, I can spend more time with my children,” he said. “I want others to quit because it improves both health and family relationships.”
