The latest health survey jointly released by several public health and research institutions in Thailand shows that the use of vapes among people under 30, especially among female teenagers, has significantly increased. The survey indicates that vapes have not reduced the overall harm of tobacco but have instead led to an increase in new smokers and a continuous decrease in the age at first use. Experts call for continuous strengthening of law enforcement and the formulation of more systematic vape control policies centered on prohibition, strict enforcement, and public advocacy to protect the health of children and teenagers.
Key Findings from the Survey
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The usage rate of vapes among the 15-29 age group in Thailand has significantly increased from 3.6% to 8.4%.
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The increase in the use of cigarettes and vapes among teenage girls is higher than that among boys.
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The total number of vape users across the country has risen to approximately 1.7 million, with 44% of them using both vapes and cigarettes simultaneously.
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Among the 10-14 age group, the average age for the first use of vapes is 11 years old.
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Experts propose that the policy core should be “prohibition – enforcement – advocacy.”
Health Survey Results and Trends
According to Hfocus, the “Public Data on the Situation of Vapes: Where Will Thailand Go?” seminar revealed that tobacco use among people under 30 was on the rise, especially among teenage girls, whose growth rate in vape use was higher than that of boys.
The survey shows that the usage rate of vapes among people aged 15-29 increased from 3.6% in 2020 to 8.4% in 2025. In contrast, cigarette use among people over 60 showed a downward trend, with the proportion of long-term smokers also declining. Regionally, Bangkok has the highest vape usage rate among teenagers, followed by the northeastern and central regions.
Impact of Vapes on National Tobacco Use
Roengrudee Patanavanich, an associate professor in the Community Medicine Department of Mahidol University and project leader of Thailand’s Seventh National Health Examination Survey, emphasized that vapes have not reduced the harm of cigarettes. In fact, they have not decreased the national tobacco usage rate.
Five years ago, approximately 500,000 people used vapes. This number has now risen to 1.7 million, with 44% of them using both vapes and regular cigarettes.
Vapes and the Rise of New Smokers
Before vapes entered Thailand, the national tobacco usage rate had been continuously declining for a decade. However, since 2014, when vapes started to spread, the downward trend has slowed significantly, while the number of vape users continues to rise.
The survey also revealed that vapes have doubled the number of “new smokers” and lowered the age at which people first use them. Among those aged 10-14, the average age of first use is now just 11 years old. Approximately 500,000 people have tried vapes for the first time in the past year. Since 2022, the number of people who used vapes as their first nicotine product has surpassed that of cigarettes, with the scale of vape use now three times larger than that of cigarette use.
Teenage Vape Use and Peer Influence
The survey found that the main reason for teenagers to use vapes was not to quit smoking, but due to peer influence. Over 70% of teenagers aged 10-19 began using vapes because of their friends’ usage. Younger children typically accessed vapes through friends, while older teenagers mostly purchased them online.
Distrust in Tobacco Companies and Vape Usage
The research also shows that approximately one-third of teenagers aged 15-24 do not believe that tobacco companies have distorted the information about the dangers of vapes. In regions with lower levels of distrust, the usage rate of vapes tends to be higher.
Impact of Law Enforcement on Vape Usage
Comparing data before and after the Thai government intensified its crackdown on vapes in early 2025, researchers found a significant difference in the proportion of children using vapes. This indicates that continuous law enforcement might bring positive results.
Policy Recommendations for Vape Control
Jaruwaporn Srisaras, the deputy director of HSRI, stated that the national health examination survey is conducted every five years and serves as an important foundation for formulating public health policies. Cigarettes and vapes are significant risk factors for chronic diseases such as emphysema and lung cancer, and if not addressed promptly, the burden on the national healthcare system will grow.
Srisaras also mentioned that the survey findings would be integrated into policy recommendations for political parties. These recommendations are expected to focus on the “B-E-A” framework:
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Ban: Complete prohibition of vapes.
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Enforcement: Strengthening law enforcement.
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Advocacy: Public advocacy campaigns to educate the public on the dangers of vaping.
