Bangkok: The Ministry of Interior has launched an intensified investigation into e-cigarettes following a disturbing incident involving a sixth-grade student discovered with missing lungs. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul emphasized the need for urgent action, urging police forces to expedite prosecutions in response to this alarming health crisis.
According to Thai News Agency, Anutin highlighted that provincial governors have already been mobilized to tackle the e-cigarette issue, focusing on raiding sources and distributors. He noted that past efforts to suppress illegal goods and drugs involved collaboration between himself, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, and the Director-General of the Department of Provincial Administration. These joint efforts aimed to assure operators that their actions were justified. He stressed that the responsible agencies are now fully aware of the importance of this mission, ensuring immediate response teams are in place for any arising incidents.
The incident involving the Grade 6 student has sparked considerable concern, prompting a call for collective action. Anutin stated that the Ministry's administrative department is actively inspecting and suppressing e-cigarette usage. He emphasized that any reports of smuggling, storage, or illegal assembly will be met with immediate intervention and arrests.