Ecstasy is being sold online concealed in new forms of packaging, warned the Princess Mother National Institute on Drug Abuse Treatment.
The institute warned ecstasy pills had been found in powder form hidden in cream and coffee packs for sale on social media.
Dr Sarayut Boonchaipanichwatthana, director of the institute, said ecstasy destroys people's neurological systems and can cause chronic depression. Use of the drug also results in a reduction of serotonin that can cause insomnia, exhaustion and lack of concentration.
Those who mix it with alcohol or other drugs can go into shock and even die. Parents of teenagers have been warned to monitor their children's behaviour and take them to a rehabilitation centre if symptoms of addiction are detected.
The drug usually takes 30-45 minutes to produce an effect and lasts for about 6-8 hours. Users typically feel their heartbeat increase, blood pressure rise, senses impaired and often experience delusional behaviour.
Dr Sarayut warned parents to watch for unusual changes in their children's behaviour.
They can seek advice by calling the hotline on 1165 or logging on to www.pmnidat.go.th. Addicts can be treated at the institute in Pathum Thani or Thanyarak Hospital in six provinces, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, Songkhla and Pattani.