On March 15, 2025, a troubling report emerged from Chiang Mai, where a young woman, who began vaping between Grades 4 and 8, is now battling severe pneumonia in a local hospital. This alarming case underscores the growing health risks tied to e-cigarette use among Thailand’s youth, prompting intensified efforts to curb illegal vaping operations in the region.

Teen Vaper Fights Severe Lung Condition

Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital confirmed the young patient is suffering from EVALI (e-cigarette or vaping product use-associated lung injury), a condition increasingly linked to prolonged e-cigarette use. Her case adds to a rising wave of incidents nationwide, spotlighting the dangers lurking in vaping devices—especially for teenagers. The Chiang Mai public health office revealed startling data from a recent survey of 163,359 teens, showing 1,884 admitted to using e-cigarettes, a clear sign of the habit’s troubling spread.

Chiang Mai Shuts Down Illegal E-Cigarette Trade

In response, Chiang Mai authorities have ramped up enforcement of Thailand’s strict e-cigarette regulations, successfully closing dozens of illegal vendors across the northern province. These efforts aim to dismantle the underground networks fueling youth access to vaping products, which remain banned under national law. The crackdown reflects a broader push to protect public health as vaping-related illnesses surge.

Echoes of Concern in Buri Ram

The crisis isn’t confined to Chiang Mai. Last month, in Buri Ram province, the Tambon Don Mun Administrative Organisation reported multiple schoolchildren suffering from respiratory problems tied to e-cigarette use and kratom tea consumption. Among them were four students—two in Grades 5 and 6, and one in Grade 2—who experienced chest tightness and breathing difficulties after over a year of exposure to these substances. This disturbing trend has officials urging parents to stay vigilant and educate their kids about the risks.

Government Steps Up Anti-Vaping Campaign

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to X on Friday, calling for tougher action against online platforms peddling e-cigarettes. Her message signals a renewed commitment to choking off digital supply lines that evade physical crackdowns. With vaping devices often disguised as toys or flavored to appeal to minors, the government faces a complex battle to shield young people from these hidden dangers.

A Call to Action Amid a Growing Epidemic

As Thailand grapples with this vaping epidemic, the hospitalization of yet another young user serves as a stark wake-up call. The Customs Department continues to seize flavored e-cigarette liquids in large quantities, yet the black market persists. For now, officials and parents alike are left with a critical task: halting the spread of vaping before more teens suffer irreversible harm.