BANGKOK, Thailand – Thai authorities have seized over 201,400 illegal e-cigarette products worth 40 million baht in a major crackdown on smuggling. The shipment from China was intercepted at Laem Chabang following an intelligence tip-off. The operation was led by Justice Minister Pol Col Tawee Sodsong, Prime Minister’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai, and Deputy Finance Minister Julapun Amornvivat, with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI), the Customs Department, and the Royal Thai Police coordinating efforts to dismantle smuggling networks.
Following a directive from Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to eliminate e-cigarette smuggling within 30 days, enforcement has intensified nationwide. Customs officials are tightening import controls, while the Central Investigation Bureau and the Anti-Money Laundering Office are freezing assets linked to illicit trade. Raids on retailers and online sellers have resulted in 906 arrests and the seizure of 700,000 e-cigarette units valued at 85 million baht.
The Customs Department has reported a steady rise in illegal e-cigarette seizures. In 2022, authorities confiscated 200,000 units worth 15 million baht. By 2023, the figure had exceeded 100 million baht, increasing to 120 million baht in 2024. In the first few months of 2025 alone, nearly 100 million baht worth of contraband has already been seized, reflecting the impact of intensified enforcement.
Investigations have traced smuggling routes through three main entry points, including the Malaysia border at Sadao district, the Laos border at Mukdahan province, and maritime shipments via Laem Chabang Port.
Law enforcement agencies are holding weekly intelligence-sharing meetings to track shipments, identify major suppliers, and coordinate further crackdowns. They have warned that violators will face full legal action, including customs and financial crime charges. (NNT)
