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 pic.twitter.com/iXQ0kawWeH
— 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.
