According to a report by Matichon, a Thai media outlet, Sarah Zia, Director of the VicHealth office in Victoria, Thailand, delivered a speech at the 20th Annual International Network of Health Promotion Foundations (INHPF) conference in 2023. Zia highlighted the growing severity of the health risks associated with e-cigarettes and called upon governments worldwide to enhance the dissemination of relevant information.
Sarah stated that an increasing number of Australian teenagers are starting to use e-cigarettes as young as 14 years old. E-cigarettes contain various harmful chemicals that pose health risks, but their appearance resembling cosmetics or pens can give a misleading perception of safety. The wide range of flavors available in e-cigarettes and the advertisements on social media platforms further contribute to its escalating popularity.
Currently, the Australian government has issued regulations regarding e-cigarettes, which include banning the use of e-cigarettes in public places and the sale of e-cigarettes in retail stores. Thailand is one of the 37 countries that prohibit the import and sale of e-cigarettes.
