In response to a troubling rise in e-cigarette use among school-aged children (ages 13-15) in Thailand, Catholic schools are taking a stand against the cloud of vapor that threatens the future of their students.
Despite a nationwide ban on e-cigarette sales, the increasing popularity of vaping among youth has prompted urgent calls for government intervention.
At a press conference on Nov. 15 organized by the Anti-Smoking Foundation, representatives from Catholic schools joined leaders from nine youth organizations to advocate for the continued illegality of e-cigarettes to protect young people from their harmful effects.
The growing trend of e-cigarette and vaping use among Thai youth can be attributed to aggressive marketing tactics and appealing product designs.
Sister Kannikar Eamtaisong, who spoke to LiCAS News at the event, emphasized the targeting of children and teenagers through social media and influencer campaigns.
“E-cigarettes are presented as cool and trendy, featuring attractive colors and unique flavors that entice young users,” she said.
The Anti-Smoking Foundation expressed grave concerns regarding the marketed safety of e-cigarettes. “Despite claims of being safer than traditional cigarettes, e-cigarettes contain harmful chemicals such as nicotine and various additives, which pose significant health risks,” the Foundation said.
“They are linked to serious health issues, including lung disorders and cardiovascular effects, particularly among developing brains of children and adolescents. Furthermore, exposure to e-cigarette emissions also poses risks to bystanders,” it added.
Joining Sister Kannikar at the press conference, 13-year-old Nattakritta Kriekchaiwan highlighted the misleading advertising that normalizes e-cigarette use among peers.
“Students, especially in middle and high school, are curious and influenced by the trendy image these products portray,” Nattakritta noted. “The internet makes them readily available, and deceptive advertisements suggest they are harmless, which is far from the truth.”
The Catholic Education Council of Thailand (CECT) reports a strong commitment among its more than three hundred Catholic schools to support the Smoke-Free Campaign.
“Our Catholic schools can no longer remain silent as our students’ futures are clouded by vapor,” said Fr. Paul Ekarat Homprathum, Secretary General of CECT.
He encouraged schools to adopt the seven measures outlined in the Smoke-Free Campaign established by the Ministry of Public Health.
These measures include implementing a “Smoke-Free School” policy, integrating anti-smoking education into curricula, involving students in smoke-free initiatives, and supporting those wanting to quit smoking.
Fr. Paul Ekarat further said that this month, they are inviting Catholic schools to participate in the Smoke-Free/E-Cigarette-Free School Assessment based on the seven standard measures. This assessment will be carried out by a CECT committee alongside diocesan representatives.
Four Catholic schools in Bangkok have recently been recognized as learning centers for smoke-free and e-cigarette-free environments.
They serve as model institutions, free from tobacco, e-cigarettes, cannabis, and alcoholic beverages, as awarded by the Bangkok Tobacco Product Control Committee’s Education Office for their efforts in promoting a smoke-free culture.
“We are dedicated to eradicating this problem and reclaiming the sanctity of education,” Fr. Paul Ekarat said
