Supamas revealed the government is serious about combating e-cigarettes, highlighting three strategies that mobilize government agencies to swiftly dismantle the entire system, alongside establishing an "E-Cigarette Suppression Center" to promote vape-free school projects piloted in nine provinces.
At 13:30 on 29 Jun 2026, at the National Police Operation Center meeting room, Supamas Isarapakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, chaired the presentation of integrated government agency guidelines for preventing and suppressing e-cigarettes following government policy. Present were Police General Niran Lueamsri, Deputy Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the E-Cigarette and Tobacco Product Suppression Center (E-Tobacco Suppression Center), Pradermchai Boonchualuea, Advisor to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong, Secretary to the Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, Ronarong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Board, along with executives from the Royal Thai Police, deputy regional police commanders, and provincial deputy commanders responsible for e-cigarettes nationwide, participating via video conference.
Supamas stated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, the government places great importance on resolving the e-cigarette epidemic, especially among children and youth. The e-cigarette issue is not only a public health concern but also a social and security problem that affects the country's future. Therefore, the government has prioritized prevention and suppression of e-cigarettes as a critical agenda for all related agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, Consumer Protection Board, Customs Department, Department of Provincial Administration, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Disease Control Department, Ministry of Public Health, and other agencies, which must work together seriously, decisively, and continuously.
"As a mother of four, I see that Thai society and the global community are facing complex problems, particularly the threat posed by the growing spread of e-cigarettes among increasingly younger children, starting as young as around 10 years old. This is driven by misguided values through appealing product designs and covert advertising that mislead youth into believing e-cigarettes are harmless, when in fact they severely impact physical development, brain function, and mental health," Supamas said.
On this occasion, Supamas emphasized the government's three-pronged approach to suppressing e-cigarettes, consisting of:
1. Fully protecting children and youth by having the Royal Thai Police and Consumer Protection Board integrate efforts with the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Public Health to monitor high-risk areas, schools, and communities, while urgently building social immunity to eliminate the false perception that e-cigarettes are fashionable.
2. Strictly enforcing laws without exceptions, urging relevant agencies to decisively crack down on smugglers, major vendors, and associated networks. Investigations must extend to "masterminds and financial networks," aiming to dismantle the entire supply chain from origin to endpoint, rather than merely arresting small-scale vendors.
3. Enhancing online suppression efforts by coordinating with the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, digital platform providers, and logistics companies to improve digital investigations, trace financial routes, and effectively close online sales channels.
Additionally, Supamas proposed establishing a national command center and coordinating committee for e-cigarette prevention and suppression. She also promoted the vape-free school project piloted in nine provinces across two inspection zones: Inspection Zone 2 in the Upper Central region including Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut Prakan; and Inspection Zone 9 in the Eastern region including Chanthaburi, Trat, Nakhon Nayok, Prachinburi, and Sa Kaeo. The campaign aims to raise awareness and mentally 'vaccinate' children, youth, and the general public about the dangers of e-cigarettes, reiterating the government's firm stance. "The government is serious about this issue." She called on the public to cooperate by reporting illegal e-cigarette sales to government agencies such as the Royal Thai Police or the Consumer Protection Board to achieve tangible results in resolving the problem. She also urged all sectors—families, educational institutions, the private sector, and the media—to act as vigilant watchdogs to create a safe society for Thai youth.