The Thai government has tightened restrictions on etomidate in a bid to curb the dangerous e-cigarette products, known as ‘zombie vape bombs’, produced using this anesthetic.
Wittaya, Deputy Secretary-General of Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration, stated that in several recent cases, the anesthetic was found illegally mixed into e-cigarette liquids, intended to induce psychoactive reactions.
He pointed out that using ‘zombie vape bombs’ can lead to addiction, and this phenomenon is relatively common in Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, with an increasing trend in Thailand as well.
Because users display dazed behavior, staggering as if moving like the living dead, these products have been vividly dubbed ‘zombie vape bombs’.
To prevent more dangerous incidents, Thailand will list etomidate as a Category II psychotropic substance starting from July 27.
According to regulations, those illegally possessing Category II psychotropic substances face up to 7 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of 700,000 baht (approximately 91,800 ringgit), or both; illegal traffickers of such substances face up to 15 years imprisonment, a maximum fine of 1,500,000 baht, or both.