Bangkok, March 15, 2025 – Thailand’s Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra took to social media today to update the public on her packed agenda, focusing on two critical issues: the illegal e-cigarette trade and the rising tide of drug abuse among students. In a post shared this morning, she outlined her efforts to address these challenges head-on, signaling her administration’s determination to safeguard the nation’s youth.
“This morning, I discussed enforcing laws and cracking down on e-cigarette producers and sellers,” the Prime Minister wrote. “This afternoon, I’ll meet with the Ministries of Education and Higher Education, Science, Research, and Innovation to tackle the spread of drugs in schools.” Her remarks were a dual-pronged approach—combating illegal markets while prioritizing education as a frontline defense against substance abuse.
Drug abuse has become an escalating concern in Thailand, with e-cigarettes adding a new layer to the issue. Despite a nationwide ban on the sale and importation of e-cigarettes since 2014, their popularity among young people has surged, prompting renewed calls for enforcement. Paetongtarn’s focus on producers and sellers reflects her government’s commitment to dismantling the supply chain fueling this trend.
However, the Prime Minister emphasized that enforcement alone isn’t enough. “We’re serious about tackling drugs, but keeping kids away from them starts with education,” she said in her statement. Her afternoon meeting with education officials aims to strengthen preventive measures, ensuring schools are equipped to address the growing threat of drugs and vaping.
Paetongtarn also issued a rallying call to educators across the country, urging them to intensify their efforts in teaching students about the dangers of substance use. “I know you’ve been doing your best, but with this growing issue, we need an even stronger effort together,” she said. Her words strike a balance between recognizing teachers’ hard work and appealing for greater collaboration to protect Thailand’s youth.
Paetongtarn hopes to curb the spread of both drugs and e-cigarettes before they take deeper root in the nation’s schools.
Photo credit: Ing Shin Official X account.
