A recent report by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) has raised a grave concern in Thailand, where over 9,000 deaths annually are attributed to secondhand smoke, exceeding the figures reported in the United States. The NESDC’s review, covering the social conditions of the first quarter of 2024, also brought attention to the health issues exacerbated by alcohol and cigarette consumption, among other social challenges.
The report also revealed major increases in illnesses linked to epidemiological surveillance, including a sharp rise in influenza and dengue fever cases. While cigarette usage saw a slight decline, the persistent problem of secondhand smoke has led to calls for stricter enforcement of public smoking bans and the creation of designated smoking areas to protect the public.
Health experts are acutely concerned about the impact of e-cigarettes, debunking myths among parents who believe them to be harmless. Experts warn that the dangers of nicotine exposure from e-cigarettes can severely affect cognitive functions and development in children, potentially leading them to traditional smoking and even illegal drug use later in life.
The situation also calls for robust public health strategies to lower smoking rates and safeguard young and vulnerable populations from the detrimental effects of nicotine addiction. (NNT)
