① Be cautious of Happy Balloons
Vietnam is a popular destination for South Korean travelers, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there’s an item that Korean tourists should be cautious about when visiting Vietnam: Happy Balloons.
Happy Balloons contain nitrous oxide and can induce hallucinogenic effects when inhaled, often considered a “legal high.” In Vietnam, it’s common to see young people inhaling Happy Balloons at bars and clubs.
In October of last year, a South Korean man who inhaled Happy Balloons during his trip to Vietnam was fined 3 million Korean won (about. US $2,255) for violating chemical substance regulations. He had been encouraged to try it by a local in Ho Chi Minh City. Despite initially denying the use, evidence from his KakaoTalk conversation with a friend revealed the truth.
In their chat, he mentioned, “When you inhale this gas, you start smiling, so they call it Happy Balloon.” He also said, “It’s like an anesthetic, so you have to talk after taking it. I guess that’s why I fell asleep yesterday,” and “When I do balloons, I think balloons are the perfect drug.”
The court considered several factors, including the defendant’s first-time offense, age, personal circumstances, motive, means, and post-offense behavior.
Nitrous oxide was designated as a hallucinogenic substance in South Korea in August 2017. If a South Korean national engages in drug use overseas, they can still be prosecuted under domestic law.
The Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in Ho Chi Minh City stated, “Even if you use it abroad, you will naturally be subject to domestic law.” They added that those caught using Happy Balloons could face imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 5 million Korean won by the Chemical Substance Control Act. Happy Balloon use is not confined to Vietnam; it’s prevalent in other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Cambodia.
② Trending Phenomenon of Happy Balloons
As of February, Hanoi had recorded 47 cases of Happy Balloon use in the past month alone. This trend is spreading rapidly, with services even delivering Happy Balloons to people’s homes. Vietnamese police conducted raids on a popular club in Ho Chi Minh City, apprehending over 400 individuals for using Happy Balloons and other substances. More than 100 were foreigners, and 20 tested positive for illegal drugs.
Entertainment establishments in Vietnam often offer Happy Balloons to tourists, sometimes even for free. Out of curiosity and unaware of the risks, some travelers start using Happy Balloons.
The trend of Happy Balloon use in Vietnam began in 2013 when it was first sold at a karaoke bar in Hanoi. Since then, it has spread nationwide, particularly among young people.
Inhaling nitrous oxide found in Happy Balloons can lead to hallucinogenic effects. Repeated use can cause suffocation and loss of spatial perception; in severe cases, it can result in hypoxia and death.
Despite the Vietnamese government’s efforts to crack down on its use, Happy Balloons dominate the streets. A teenage girl in Vietnam was hospitalized in April after using Happy Balloons daily for ten days. She experienced difficulty walking, and tests revealed spinal cord damage.
Vietnamese law enforcement and narcotics investigation teams have established a joint task force to intensify inspections of bars and clubs to combat the use of drugs, including Happy Balloons.
③ Overseas Drug Use Subject to Domestic Law
Travelers in Thailand should also exercise caution regarding marijuana, a topic of controversy. In June of last year, the Thai government excluded marijuana from its list of regulated narcotics, legalizing its sale and cultivation. However, the absence of proper regulations has raised concerns.
Local establishments in Thailand, numbering around 5,500, sell products related to marijuana, and it has seeped into daily life, with marijuana-infused food sold in restaurants, marijuana-infused beverages, toothpaste, and more. Foreigners are also encouraged to use marijuana easily, allowing anyone to access it readily.
While strolling through Bangkok’s streets, you may see signs advertising marijuana in Korean. The police and the Korean Embassy emphasize that individuals who unknowingly consume or possess marijuana-related products can become subject to criminal prosecution.
By. Han Mia (miumia___12@mememedia.co.kr)
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