Children as young as five years old reportedly buying e-cigarettes from peers in Thailand
An academic in Thailand has raised concerns after revealing that children as young as five are using e-cigarettes.
The findings were shared on Monday (6 April), based on a survey of kindergarten and primary school teachers conducted between February and July 2025.
The study was part of a pilot project by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation aimed at educating young children about the risks of vaping.
Dr Anyamanee Boonsue, a former lecturer in early childhood education at Chulalongkorn University, said most users are older primary school students, but cases involving much younger children have also been reported.
Source: Ejan
Vapes sold among students, disguised as toys
More alarmingly, the e-cigarettes are reportedly being sold within peer groups.
Some children are said to be selling the devices on behalf of their parents, while others pressure classmates to try them.
According to Thaiger, sellers pressure their peers to vape, and shun those who refuse.
Students who act as lookouts also receive free trials, leading them to form the habit of vaping.
Dr Anyamanee said these e-cigarettes are designed like toys and have fruit and chocolate flavours.
Source: The Thai Health Promotion Foundation
In some areas, such as Pattani province, children have even been seen wearing them on their lanyards, Ejan reported.
Parents are often unaware, believing their children are simply buying toys.
Teachers to educate children against e-cigarette use
The pilot project has trained 250 teachers and provided them with materials to educate children against the use of e-cigarettes.
In June 2026, they will conduct a nationwide follow-up to assess the effectiveness of their educational materials.
Dr Anyamanee also shared that 90% of high school students in Southern Thailand were found to have used e-cigarettes, with most of them admitting to it.
While some schools have responded with punishments such as point deductions or expulsion, she stressed that education and early intervention are more effective in changing behaviour.
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Featured image adapted from Hfocus.
