WHO Urges Thailand to Intensify Measures Against Vaping
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In a recent forum hosted by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, Dr Jos Vandelaer, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative to Thailand, commended the country's ban on e-cigarettes but emphasized the need for stronger law enforcement and monitoring. Highlighting the prevalence of vaping, particularly among the youth, Vandelaer urged the Thai government to bolster efforts in tracking sources, users, and reasons behind e-cigarette usage.
While supporting Thailand's ban on e-cigarettes, Vandelaer stressed the importance of effective enforcement and proposed additional measures. These include prohibiting advertising, digital marketing, and funding for e-cigarettes to curb the growth of the vaping market.
Expressing full support for the Action on Smoking and Health Foundation and related organizations, Vandelaer cited scientific evidence revealing the addictive and harmful nature of e-cigarettes. He pointed out that e-cigarettes emit substances linked to cancer, lung disorders, poisoning, injuries, burns, and nicotine toxicity. Furthermore, Vandelaer highlighted the negative impact of e-cigarettes on cardiovascular health, brain development, learning abilities, and the potential risks to bystanders. Contrary to some beliefs, he stated that there is no evidence supporting the idea that e-cigarettes aid in smoking cessation and warned of potential long-term nicotine dependence.
Vandelaer cautioned against the misconception that the commercialization of e-cigarettes has a net benefit for public health, emphasizing WHO's strong support for Thailand's anti-vaping approach. He pledged continued technical assistance and guidance from the organization and encouraged Thailand to follow the lead of countries like Australia, Brazil, India, and Singapore that have implemented strict measures against e-cigarettes. The WHO representative urged collective global efforts to combat the rising threat of mass addiction associated with vaping.

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