Cambodia is facing a rapidly escalating youth vaping crisis that is defying its comprehensive ban on e-cigarettes, with government leaders and the Catholic Church sounding urgent alarms as the habit spreads aggressively among urban teenagers and young adults.
Despite a total ban in place for over a decade, including a strict prohibition on even possessing e-cigarettes, youth vaping continues to surge in Cambodia’s cities, especially Phnom Penh. The government’s intensified crackdown, led publicly by Prime Minister Hun Manet, reflects the grave concern over the grave risks posed not only to public health but to the nation’s social order and future.
Government Rolls Out Tougher Enforcement and Education
Last October, Cambodia launched a major crackdown on e-cigarette possession and sales, with Hun Manet personally announcing the government’s commitment to tougher measures to eradicate vaping among youth. This wave of enforcement escalated again following an April 29 directive from the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport, mandating schools, vocational centers, and educational institutions nationwide to upgrade policing efforts and run targeted awareness campaigns against vaping.
Prime Minister Hun Manet warned young Cambodians bluntly:
“Please don’t think it’s cool to smoke or vape… focus on your studies and strive to become someone recognized for your achievements.”
Social and Health Risks Spark Alarm
The Cambodian government classifies e-cigarettes and Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) as urgent “social order” threats, linking vaping to potential gateways toward illicit drugs, addiction, and crime. Although e-cigarettes do not burn tobacco, they still expose users to toxic nicotine, carcinogens, heavy metals, and other dangerous chemicals.
The devices’ discreet forms—often resembling pens, highlighters, or toys—and sweet, candy-like e-liquids such as gummy bear or watermelon flavors make them especially appealing and easy to hide among youth. Cambodia’s notably young demographic—with nearly half the population aged 26 or younger—magnifies public health and social concerns.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that nicotine use during adolescence harms brain development and increases risks for future addiction. Young users are vulnerable to detrimental effects on attention, learning, mood, and impulse control.
Civil Society Joins Intensifying Fight
The Catholic Church, representing a significant social voice, is deeply concerned about the growing vape culture among Cambodian youth. Saroeun Sorn, youth minister for the Apostolic Vicariate of Phnom Penh, highlights the risk of young people being “led astray” by peer pressure without understanding the dangers.
Sorn commended the government’s leadership but emphasized the Church’s role in education and family support, noting that many youth still struggle despite religious guidance. “We help them and their families,” Sorn said, recognizing vaping’s wider social dangers beyond physical health.
Illegal Sales Thrive Amid Weak Enforcement
Despite Cambodia’s pioneering public health policy banning e-cigarettes since 2014, enforcement remains inconsistent. E-cigarettes and vaping supplies continue to be sold openly in Phnom Penh’s stores—including specialist vape shops—and across hundreds of private online channels on sites like Telegram, TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.
Pa Chanroeun, president of the Cambodian Institute for Democracy, points to weak law enforcement and corruption as the main barriers to stopping illegal sales. “If the laws are strictly enforced without interference, e-cigarettes can be eliminated, as seen in other countries,” Chanroeun said. He urges a comprehensive approach involving schools, families, and communities to prevent youth initiation.
What Lies Ahead
Cambodia’s escalating youth vaping crisis is a warning signal for policymakers and public health advocates worldwide, including in the United States, where youth e-cigarette use remains a pressing health challenge. As Cambodia ramps up enforcement and education, Ohio and US leaders may gain insights into effective strategies to combat nicotine use among young people.
The collaborative efforts between government authorities and social institutions like the Catholic Church are critical to hitting vaping at its roots in youth culture.
The coming months will reveal whether Cambodia’s multi-front approach can reverse rising youth vaping rates and prevent the long-term health and social fallout from this troubling trend.
