Thai Health Authorities Detect 'Zombie Vapes' Containing Meth and Etomidate

On August 25, 2026, the Thai Department of Medical Sciences reported the first-ever detection of e-cigarette pods containing a hazardous mixture of methamphetamine and etomidate. According to Dr. Sarawut Boonsuk, the department’s Director-General, the discovery was made following laboratory analysis of seized liquid pods submitted in June 2026. The clear, orange-colored liquid was found to contain 3.56% pure methamphetamine hydrochloride alongside etomidate, a Schedule 2 psychoactive substance.

These products, colloquially referred to as "K-Pods" or "Zombie Vapes," represent a concerning evolution in illicit drug consumption. Health officials warn that inhaling this combination poses severe, immediate health risks. Etomidate acts as a central nervous system depressant that can suppress breathing and lead to sudden loss of consciousness, while methamphetamine acts as a potent stimulant. The combination creates unpredictable and potentially fatal physiological effects.

For residents and travelers in Thailand, this development highlights the extreme danger of using unregulated vaping products. The Department of Medical Sciences emphasizes that these substances are being illicitly introduced into vaping liquids, creating a significant threat to public health. While this report confirms the presence of these specific substances in the analyzed samples, the full extent of the distribution of these "Zombie Vapes" across the country remains to be determined by ongoing investigations.