12-year-old Thai girl in critical condition after excessive vaping causes near-total lung damage: Report
A 12-year-old Thai girl suffered severe lung damage from two years of vaping.
A 12-year-old girl from Buri Ram province in Thailand is battling for her life after suffering near-total lung damage, reportedly due to two years of vaping, according to The Nation. Her family remained unaware of her vaping habit until they were informed by her school.

(Also read: Colombian lawmaker Cathy Juvinao apologises after vaping video in Parliament during ‘healthcare’ debate goes viral)
Family in shock over hidden habit
The girl’s grandmother, identified only as Ae, expressed her devastation upon learning the news. “She had always been a diligent and hardworking student, but her behaviour changed noticeably when she entered Grade 4,” Ae said.
For months, the young girl experienced alarming health issues, including shortness of breath, vomiting, and extreme weakness. She was eventually admitted to Satuek Hospital, where doctors discovered that nearly 100% of her lungs were damaged. She is now in critical condition, The Nation reported.
Rescue worker sounds alarm
The shocking case was first brought to public attention by local rescue worker Paphawarin Simlakorn, who posted on Facebook to warn parents about the hidden dangers of vaping. He revealed that he had recently transported three other students—aged between 10 and 14—to the hospital after they suffered severe breathing difficulties linked to e-cigarette use.
Authorities have expressed growing concern, particularly as a 15-year-old student from the same area reportedly died in January after prolonged vaping.
(Also read: Fake cop jumps into auto, demands ₹50,000 from Mumbai woman for using vape, video viral)
Calls for stricter regulations
Ae recalled that her granddaughter’s behaviour shifted dramatically after entering Grade 4. She would often neglect household chores and stay out late under the pretense of studying.
With vaping-related illnesses on the rise, Thai health officials are now calling for stricter regulations and increased parental awareness to curb the growing crisis among the country’s youth.
ABOUT THE AUTHORMahipal Singh ChouhanMahipal Singh Chouhan is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times Digital, with nearly five years of experience in digital journalism and content production. His work primarily focuses on offbeat and trending stories that reflect everyday experiences and evolving conversations on the internet. He has consistently worked on transforming viral content and human interest stories into structured news pieces that engage readers while maintaining editorial clarity. At Hindustan Times, Mahipal contributes to identifying and developing stories emerging from social media trends, online communities, and real-world incidents that capture public attention. His approach involves adding context and journalistic perspective to fast-moving digital narratives, helping present viral moments in a clear and reader-friendly format suited for digital audiences. Before joining Hindustan Times Digital, he was associated with DNA India, where he gained experience in newsroom workflows and digital storytelling practices. Mahipal holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the Vivekananda Institute of Professional Studies, Delhi. He is particularly interested in tracking emerging trends and understanding how online conversations evolve into broader public discussions. His work reflects a focus on accuracy, readability, and relevance in the rapidly changing digital news environment. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Mahipal takes an interest in history and sports and regularly works on improving his general knowledge, which complements his curiosity as a media professional.Read More

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