BURIRAM, Thailand – A 12-year-old girl in Buriram province is in critical condition with severely damaged lungs after prolonged use of e-cigarettes and kratom, a local stimulant, her family and medical officials.
The doctor discovered she had been vaping since fourth grade.
The girl, a sixth-grade student, has been placed on a ventilator after her lungs nearly collapsed, according to her grandmother.
“She used to be a diligent and helpful child,” said her grandmother. “But then she started going out with friends, staying out late, and became very irritable.”
Local rescue workers reported a surge in cases of students suffering from respiratory problems linked to vaping and kratom use. They said they had transported eight students to hospitals in recent days.
“We have seen a significant increase in students, from elementary to middle school, experiencing chest tightness and breathing difficulties due to e-cigarettes and kratom,” said a rescue worker in a social media post.
Health officials have warned about the dangers of e-cigarettes, particularly for young people, saying they contain harmful chemicals that can lead to lung inflammation and respiratory problems.
“E-cigarettes often have appealing scents, which can lead to frequent use and addiction among teenagers,” said Dr. Apichai Limanon, a public health official in Khon Kaen province.
The Thai Ministry of Justice has also launched an investigation into the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, both online and offline, and vowed to crack down on the trade.
“We are seeing a significant increase in e-cigarette use,” said Justice Minister Tawee Sodsong. “We will be working with local authorities to tackle this problem.”(TNA)
