Buriram Province: A shocking incident has emerged from Satuk District, where a 12-year-old girl is in critical condition after reportedly smoking e-cigarettes and drinking kratom water for two years. The girl's grandmother expressed her distress, revealing that her granddaughter's health has deteriorated significantly, necessitating the use of a ventilator. This alarming case is part of a broader issue as several students in the area have experienced severe health problems linked to these substances.
According to Thai News Agency, a Facebook post by the Don Mon Municipality Rescue Unit highlighted the growing concern among parents after multiple students were hospitalized with symptoms of chest tightness and shortness of breath. The affected students, ranging from grades 5 to 7, all attend schools in Don Mon Subdistrict. Tragically, this is not an isolated incident, as a 15-year-old girl from the same district died in January due to e-cigarette use.
Ms. A, the grandmother of the 12-year-old girl, recounted how her granddaughter, once a diligent child, began to show abnormal behavior in Grade 4. The child would frequently leave home under the pretense of doing homework, only to return irritable and lethargic. Her condition worsened until she was hospitalized with severe respiratory distress. Doctors confirmed the prolonged use of e-cigarettes, leading to significant lung damage.
Dr. Apichai Limanon, the provincial public health doctor of Khon Kaen, has issued a warning about the dangers of e-cigarettes. He noted the fragrant smell and accessibility of e-cigarettes make them particularly attractive to teenagers, often resulting in continuous use and long-term health issues such as pneumonia and respiratory problems. He advised parents to closely monitor their children's activities to prevent exposure to these harmful substances.
In response to the escalating issue, the Ministry of Justice held a meeting to address the prevention and suppression of drug problems related to e-cigarettes. Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice, acknowledged the illegal sale and widespread use of e-cigarettes and announced plans to establish a cyber security center. This initiative aims to tackle online sales and integrate efforts with provincial governors to combat the e-cigarette problem effectively.