Thailand Blocks 76 Websites in Crackdown on Illegal E-Cigarette Sales

In recent days, according to the Thai Post, a joint operation by the Department of Digital Economy and Society and the National Police Agency in Thailand has led to the blocking of 76 websites that were involved in the online sale of e-cigarettes, with the aim of cracking down on illegal sales activities.

Wetang Puangsub, deputy minister of the Department of Digital Economy and Society (DES) in Thailand, has stated that sellers or providers of e-cigarette services who are suspected of violating the law may be in breach of multiple laws, such as the Consumer Protection Act. The penalties for such offenses could include a prison sentence of up to three years, a fine of up to 600,000 Thai baht, or both. In addition, there may be involvement of several other laws.

According to the regulations set by the Thai Ministry of Commerce, the import or export of e-cigarettes is considered illegal.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce in 2014, e-cigarettes and related products are explicitly listed as among the prohibited goods for import. Violators of this regulation may face a maximum of 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 Thai baht, or both. Additionally, there may also be potential violations of the Customs Act, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment or a fine of up to 500,000 Thai baht, or both.

Individuals who engage in the act of possessing, concealing, selling, aiding in sales, transporting, purchasing, or holding e-cigarettes in Thailand without going through the proper customs procedures may face a maximum penalty of 5 years of imprisonment or a fine up to four times the total value of the items, or both penalties imposed simultaneously.

The e-cigarette is gaining increasing attention in the Thai market, prompting the government to take strict measures. This recent website blockade aims to curb illegal e-cigarette sales, safeguard market order, and maintain a fair competitive environment.