E-Cigarettes and E-Baraku Officially Banned for Students

The cabinet has officially prohibited the use of electronic cigarettes and e-baraku by students, introducing four disciplinary measures to enforce compliance. This decision was part of the updated student behavior regulations under the Child Protection Act, presented by the Ministry of Education.

Deputy government spokesman Karom Ponpornklang confirmed on Tuesday that e-cigarettes and e-baraku are now categorized as banned items for students, alongside traditional cigarettes and narcotics.

To address violations, the Ministry of Education established a four-tier punishment system: issuing warnings, placing students on probation, deducting behavioral points, and assigning behavior modification activities.

Education Minister Pol Gen Permpoon Chidchob noted that while the ministry lacks the authority to confiscate prohibited items, it urged other responsible entities to help prevent the spread of these products in society.

E-cigarettes and baraku, commonly known as hookahs or water pipes, are already illegal in Thailand. The newer e-baraku devices mimic cigarette smoking, measuring approximately 11 centimeters long and 9 millimeters wide. Despite their banned status, they remain widely accessible in the country.