Latest news with #AnukulPrueksanusak
South China Morning Post
02-04-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
‘Earthquake drunk' Thais given advice on how to deal with post-quake dizziness
'Earthquake drunk' Thais have been advised to rest, drink more water – and avoid stressful news reports. Advertisement Days after Friday's major earthquake , many Thais were still experiencing dizziness and feeling as if the ground was swaying – a condition known as being 'earthquake drunk' or post-earthquake dizziness syndrome, the government said in a statement on Monday. Anukul Prueksanusak, a government deputy spokesman, said that such symptoms were more commonly seen among people with anxiety disorders and migraines. The government's guidelines for combating the symptoms include drinking more water and ginger tea, avoiding alcohol or caffeine, taking more screen breaks, looking into the distance, and getting enough sleep. Those suffering from the syndrome are also encouraged to share their feelings with others and cut back on quake news to manage stress levels. A rescuer is given a Thai massage at the site of an under-construction building collapse in Bangkok on Tuesday. Photo: AFP 'However, if the symptoms do not go away within one week, you should see a doctor immediately,' Anukul said.
South China Morning Post
26-02-2025
- Health
- South China Morning Post
‘Zombie cigarettes': Thai authorities warn of deadly drug-laced vapes
The Thai government has warned young people to remain vigilant against the rising threat of a new form of narcotic, dubbed 'zombie cigarettes', which combines e-cigarettes with the dangerous drug etomidate. Advertisement Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, said on Monday that authorities had seized a significant quantity of the newly developed drug and pledged to intensify their crackdown against it. Authorities said in a statement released the same day that zombie cigarettes are primarily circulating in nightlife areas but are also being illegally sold online and in social settings. The statement warned the public not to be deceived by claims that they are safe to use. What makes zombie cigarettes so dangerous is their use of etomidate, an anaesthetic agent that can cause severe drowsiness, reduced breathing rates and even death in some cases, according to the statement. 'There is no way to know what substances the seller intentionally mixed in or how much [narcotics are contained],' Anukul added. 09:04 Why are Chinese tourists wary of going to Thailand and has it become a dangerous place to travel? Why are Chinese tourists wary of going to Thailand and has it become a dangerous place to travel? Anukul also called on parents to closely monitor their children's behaviour for warning signs, such as spending large amounts of money, being drowsy for large parts of the day and isolating themselves in their rooms.
Yahoo
25-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Thailand warns teenagers about deadly ‘zombie cigarettes'
Authorities in Thailand have warned teenagers in the country of 'zombie cigarettes' laced with etomidate, a sedative that causes severe drowsiness and slows breathing. Popular in the capital Bangkok's Thonglor district, the synthetic drugs are known to pose serious health risks. They may induce unconsciousness and even death. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, warned that drug traffickers were producing new synthetic drugs to entice existing as well as new users. Authorities warned teenagers that 'zombie cigarettes' were falsely marketed as safe or harmless and urged the public not to be misled. Beyond entertainment venues, the illegal products were reportedly sold online and in social settings, often promoted as relaxation aids, according to Nation Thailand. 'Zombie cigarettes' contain etomidate, a medical sedative that can cause extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, low blood pressure, confusion, and even fatal unconsciousness. The misuse of etomidate as a recreational drug has been on the rise in recent years. It's usually mixed with electronic cigarettes, 'zombie cigarettes', due to its sedative effects. Authorities warned that mixing e-cigarettes with drugs like etomidate could increase health risks, potentially causing long-term adrenal and muscle issues. Mr Prueksanusak underlined the unknown dangers of these products and their potential to be fatal. Some e-cigarettes contain etomidate, & smokers could die as the substance is used in anaesthetic procedure, warns Deputy Chief of the Dept of Medical Services. This type of e-cigarette is known as "zombie cigarette" & advertised as inducing relaxation. #Thailand #ecigarette — Khaosod English (@KhaosodEnglish) February 21, 2025 Some governments have reclassified etomidate as a controlled narcotic due to rising cases of abuse. In November, Taiwan upgraded etomidate to a Category 2 narcotic, criminalising its possession and use. Hong Kong announced earlier this year that etomidate and its analogues – metomidate, propoxate, isopropoxate – would be classified as dangerous drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, effective 14 February. Possession or consumption would carry a maximum seven-year prison sentence and a HK$1m (£100,000) fine, while trafficking and manufacturing could lead to life imprisonment and a HK$5m (£500,000) fine, according to a statement by the Chinese city's government.
The Independent
25-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Thailand warns teenagers about deadly ‘zombie cigarettes'
Authorities in Thailand have warned teenagers in the country of 'zombie cigarettes' laced with etomidate, a sedative that causes severe drowsiness and slows breathing. Popular in the capital Bangkok 's Thonglor district, the synthetic drugs are known to pose serious health risks. They may induce unconsciousness and even death. Anukul Prueksanusak, deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office, warned that drug traffickers were producing new synthetic drugs to entice existing as well as new users. Authorities warned teenagers that 'zombie cigarettes' were falsely marketed as safe or harmless and urged the public not to be misled. Beyond entertainment venues, the illegal products were reportedly sold online and in social settings, often promoted as relaxation aids, according to Nation Thailand. 'Zombie cigarettes' contain etomidate, a medical sedative that can cause extreme drowsiness, slowed breathing, low blood pressure, confusion, and even fatal unconsciousness. The misuse of etomidate as a recreational drug has been on the rise in recent years. It's usually mixed with electronic cigarettes, 'zombie cigarettes', due to its sedative effects. Authorities warned that mixing e-cigarettes with drugs like etomidate could increase health risks, potentially causing long-term adrenal and muscle issues. Mr Prueksanusak underlined the unknown dangers of these products and their potential to be fatal. Some governments have reclassified etomidate as a controlled narcotic due to rising cases of abuse. In November, Taiwan upgraded etomidate to a Category 2 narcotic, criminalising its possession and use. Hong Kong announced earlier this year that etomidate and its analogues – metomidate, propoxate, isopropoxate – would be classified as dangerous drugs under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, effective 14 February. Possession or consumption would carry a maximum seven-year prison sentence and a HK$1m (£100,000) fine, while trafficking and manufacturing could lead to life imprisonment and a HK$5m (£500,000) fine, according to a statement by the Chinese city's government.
