Roi Et: "Jiraporn" invites Gen Z youth in the Northeast to join forces to oppose "e-cigarettes" among children and youth. Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, presided over the opening ceremony of the "Gen Z Youth Power Festival Against Smoking and E-Cigarettes" at Phetcharat Garden Hotel, Mueang Roi Et District, Roi Et Province. The event saw participation from senior executives from relevant government agencies, including Mr. Ronnarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board; Mr. Chatchawan Benjasiriwong, Governor of Roi Et Province; Dr. Sutat Chotanaphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control; Professor Dr. Prakit Vateesatokit, Chairman of the Smoking Cessation Foundation; Mr. Pornpitak Maensiri, Director of Public Relations Office 1; and Dr. Chayanan Sittibut, Director of the Tobacco Product Control Board. Civil servants, officers from the Department of Disease Control, the Public Relations Department, and Gen Z youth leaders from 20 northeastern provinces, as well as online attendees from across the country, also participated.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jiraporn emphasized the government's commitment under the supervision of Ms. Paethongtarn Shinawatra, Prime Minister, to address the spread of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth, students, and university students. This issue is considered urgent due to its health implications. The government anticipates that Gen Z youth leaders will play a crucial role in disseminating knowledge and fostering a correct understanding of the dangers of e-cigarettes within educational institutions. The goal is to build resilience and ensure the new generation of youth grows up healthy, contributing significantly to the country's development. Ms. Jiraporn also affirmed the government's partnership with Gen Z youth in eradicating e-cigarettes from Thailand, highlighting that nicotine in e-cigarettes poses a life-threatening risk.
Dr. Sutat Chotanaphan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, reiterated that e-cigarettes are illegal and urged the public to report any related illegal activities, including production, importation, or distribution, through the 'Tang Rat' application, which operates 24 hours a day.
The festival featured several activities, including a KICK OFF to unite Gen Z youth against smoking and e-cigarettes, discussions with Gen Z youth and leaders online, youth reflections expressing gratitude to the government for efforts in curbing e-cigarette spread, a performance by Gen Z Star idols in the Northeast, and the awarding of certificates to Gen Z youth and leaders opposing e-cigarettes across all 20 northeastern provinces.