August 15, 2008
Bangkok - The fruit-flavored cigarettes are used by cigarette firms to attract new smokers, according to the department of health.
The sweet, fruit-flavored cigarettes with good-looking packages can be easily accessed.
They are available on up to 6,000 websites in Thailand even though the excise department has already banned the import of these cigarettes.
A letter was also sent to the ICT ministry to close those websites.
A source at a high school said flavored cigarettes are not a new thing and have been available for a long time.
They could be bought at general night spots, in King Rama I Bridge area or on Kao San Road.
The so-called flavored cigarettes are popular among female teenagers because of the aromatic smell, low tar and nicotine level.
Most teenagers misunderstand they are not dangerous.
Various choices such as caramel, orange, coconut, vanilla and strawberry flavors are offered.
The prices of the flavored cigarettes are higher than the ordinary cigarette prices. Massive orders could only be done online.
