Pattaya —
Authorities in Chonburi have transferred an 11-year-old boy to a child protection center for rehabilitation after a video of him smoking an e-cigarette on Pattaya’s Walking Street went viral.
The boy, whose nickname was revealed by authorities as “Pangpond,” went viral on Thai social media after he was spotted vaping on Walking Street in South Pattaya on August 25th, 2024. The video prompted numerous comments and shares, eventually leading to the boy’s identification.
On the same day, the Chonburi Provincial Social Development and Human Security Office quickly located the boy and met with his stepmother, a 60-year-old identified only as Ms. Oil. According to her, the boy has a habit of running away from home and going out on his own due to his hyperactivity disorder. On the day the video was filmed, the boy said he had bought the e-cigarette from a vendor on Walking Street but couldn’t remember the exact vendor. The family expressed concern over why such a product was sold to an 11-year-old.
TPN media also notes that vaping products are illegal in Thailand, as is vaping, regardless of age.
During a subsequent meeting between social workers, police officers, local administrative officials, and the boy’s guardians, it was agreed that the boy would be placed in the Chonburi Children’s Shelter for assessment and rehabilitation. Meanwhile, authorities are now planning a crackdown on e-cigarette sales on Walking Street.
In addition to the e-cigarette incident, concerned residents reported that the boy had previously caused multiple disturbances, including setting fire to items in a restroom on Pattaya City’s toilet bus. However due to his young age, officials have only issued warnings and returned him to his family.
Pattaya City officials also said they would launch a fresh crackdown against vaping and illegal vaping vendors in the Pattaya area, reminding the public that it is illegal to protect the health of the public, according to the Thai Public Health Ministry.
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