The Royal Thai Police (RTP) has laid down the law in a bold battle against illegal e-cigarette sales, focusing its vigorous efforts particularly around schools and educational zones to safeguard youngsters. Just yesterday, on February 24, Police Lieutenant General Achayon Kraithong, who helms the RTP as the spokesperson, announced that this initiative springs from the government’s firm resolve to squash the unlawful trade of e-cigarettes. Propelled into action, Police General Kittirat Phanphet, the Police Commissioner, swiftly echoed the urgency of the directive by marshaling every unit into action. Each was tasked with enforcing unyielding measures to blitz these illegal operations, honing in especially on areas near schools or places of worship to root out this menace entirely.
This concerted campaign also casts a wary eye on potential smuggling paths, roping in allies like the Customs Department to heighten vigilance at borders and airports. On the ground, local police units are nudged towards forming alliances with community agencies, promoting a culture of shared intelligence and collaborative raids to bring offenders to justice. Lt. Gen. Kraithong stressed that any apprehensions would spark thorough investigations, exploring every nook and cranny to unearth the full scope of illicit activities, as reported by KhaoSod.
A stark warning has gone out to the ranks: dabbling in corruption or turning a blind eye will not fly—those found breaching these directives will face the music, subject to strict disciplinary, criminal, and administrative repercussions. As part of this resolute crackdown, a recent incident underscores the gravity of the situation: law enforcement swooped down on two Thai vendors peddling e-cigarettes and kratom drinks just outside a school in Buriram’s Isaan province.
The alarm was raised after a 12-year-old schoolgirl in the Satuek district needed urgent medical attention. She was whisked to the hospital after experiencing severe breathing difficulties and vomiting. Doctors revealed that this young girl had suffered extensive lung damage—nearly 100%—due to a two-year ordeal of vaping. To exacerbate the issue, she had also been swigging kratom drinks, a potent concoction, consuming around 1,500 milliliters daily since she was merely 11. Her two friends had unwittingly followed suit, mirroring her dangerous habits.
This incident reverberates like an ominous echo, a warning cry against complacency. It paints a vivid picture of why this crackdown is not mere posturing but a necessary stand to protect the innocent and unsuspecting youth who might fall prey to the allure of such hazardous habits.
In other sweeping developments surfacing across Thailand, the patrol against illegal foreign workers in Phuket has intensified, closely shadowing a bribery scandal that ignited a rigorous sweep at Laem Chabang Port. Meanwhile, buzz around the Bangkok scene has crescendoed with a woman caught red-handed vending illicit e-cigarettes, while authorities continue to stamp out shady dealings in scrap shops throughout the nation.
The police presence looms large, a steady force in Bangkok as cases of youth-related crimes and puzzling incidents, such as the unfortunate lung damage and young offenders, keep the force on its toes. The resolve is clear—Thailand is not backing down in its quest for lawfulness and order amidst the chaos.
These seams of legality stitched tightly by the RTP are an endeavor to create a tapestry of safety, one that shields the nation’s future generations from the pitfalls of illegal substances. With each stride toward eradicating these vices, Thailand aims to walk a path of security and promise, promising its children a healthier, safer tomorrow.
I think it’s about time the RTP cracked down on illegal e-cigarette sales. Kids shouldn’t have access to these harmful products.
I agree! It’s scary how young kids are being targeted by these vendors.
Exactly! It’s sad that they get hooked so young, often without realizing the long-term damage.
This crackdown is necessary, but it’s a bit of a Band-Aid solution. The focus should be more on education and prevention.
Education won’t work with everyone. Some kids just want to try what’s forbidden.
Why not just legalize e-cigarettes but regulate the industry tightly? That way, it’s safer, and we can control its distribution around minors.
But won’t that increase accessibility and glamorize vaping even more?
What a tragedy that a 12-year-old has such severe health issues from vaping. Parents need to be more vigilant.
True, but sometimes parents don’t even know, especially if they are busy with work.
I get that, but there should still be some communication about the dangers.
The crackdown is important, but let’s also focus on local prevention programs in schools. Maybe classes on substance abuse?
Remember when cigarettes were cool? Now it’s vapes. Same cycle of addiction just in a new form.
The involvement of local communities in this crackdown will be crucial. Policing isn’t just about enforcement but building trust.
You’re right. If communities don’t trust the police, it just creates more problems.
Exactly, engagement and transparency can build that trust.
Vape is life. People need to chill out. It’s a safer alternative to cigarettes!
Maybe for adults, but it still has health risks, especially for developing bodies like teens.
The RTP’s focus on schools is fair. But I fear they’ll just shift these illegal sales to other areas.
As a parent, I’m grateful for this action by RTP. It makes me feel like my kids are a bit safer now.
I feel the same. It’s good to know that the authorities care.
Thailand is taking a stand, and that’s commendable. But will it be sustainable or just a short-term fix?
Stricter laws will push these sellers underground. We need solutions, not just punishment.
It’s a tough situation. There’s always a market for banned substances, especially near schools.
Linking vaping to such a severe health consequence for a kid should be a wake-up call for everyone. It’s dangerous.
Too many double standards in the law itself. As if kratom is less harmful when sold legally?
What about parental responsibility? It seems like there’s too much reliance on police action alone.
You’re right. Parents have their part too in educating and monitoring their kids.
From a business perspective, going after vendors is just chasing tails.
Perhaps, but it does send a strong message that the government is serious.
The RTP’s warning about corruption within their ranks is interesting. Maybe the problem is also internal?