Crackdown on Illegal E-cigarette Trade in Phuket: 7 Arrested

Regulations by 2FIRSTS.ai

Jan.19.2024

Crackdown on Illegal E-cigarette Trade in Phuket: 7 Arrested

Authorities in Phuket, Thailand conducted a raid targeting illegal e-cigarette devices and revealed illicit hookah sales activities. Seven people were arrested.

According to a report from Phuket News on January 18th, local government officials in Bangla Road, Phuket, Thailand conducted a surprise operation on Wednesday (January 17th) to crackdown on illegal e-cigarette device transactions and uncover activities related to hookah sales. Seven individuals were arrested for their involvement in these illegal activities. While the Patong Police has not yet released an official statement, the operation is believed to be aimed at curtailing illegal activities in the Bangla Road area, particularly those connected to the sale of e-cigarette devices and hookahs.

The report indicates that among the seven arrested individuals, one is a foreigner who is connected to the ownership of the premises involved in the illegal sale of these items. However, the nationality and other details of the detainees were not disclosed in the report.

Although the sale and use of e-cigarette devices and their related e-liquid are quite common on the island of Phuket, these actions are considered illegal throughout Thailand. According to the 2017 law, the Customs Act, Sections 242 and 246 strictly prohibit the entry of these devices into the country.

Similarly, shisha smoking is very popular in Phuket, but according to regulations implemented by the Ministry of Commerce in 2014, providing these items is strictly illegal. Those caught possessing these goods would face charges of illegally importing Thai merchandise.

In addition, a major crackdown was carried out in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province as part of the recent anti-human trafficking operation (ATP) in Thailand. ATP personnel apprehended a private distribution center, resulting in the seizure of 60,500 units of contraband and the recovery of confiscated goods with a total value exceeding 10 million Thai baht (approximately 281,000 USD).

References:

[1] Phuket officials crack down on illegal vape and hookah sales

Also Read:

[1] Thai Authorities Detain Suspect for Selling Cartoon-designed E-cigarettes

[2] Thailand Introduces New Law Prohibiting Recreational Use of Marijuana

[3] Thailand Reverses Marijuana Legalization Amidst New Government

#Law enforcement #Asia #Open system e-cigarettes #UK #Thailand #E-cigarette devices #E-cigarette #E-cigarettes and Tobacco #The United Kingdom #Illegal e-cigarettes

We welcome news tips, article submissions, interview requests, or comments on this piece.

Please contact us at info@2firsts.com, or reach out to Alan Zhao, CEO of 2Firsts, on LinkedIn

Notice

1. This article is intended solely for professional research purposes related to industry, technology, and policy. Any references to brands or products are made purely for objective description and do not constitute any form of endorsement, recommendation, or promotion by 2Firsts.

2. The use of nicotine-containing products — including, but not limited to, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, nicotine pouchand heated tobacco products — carries significant health risks. Users are responsible for complying with all applicable laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.

3. This article is not intended to serve as the basis for any investment decisions or financial advice. 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any inaccuracies or errors in the content.

4. Access to this article is strictly prohibited for individuals below the legal age in their jurisdiction.

Copyright

This article is either an original work created by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with proper attribution. All copyrights and usage rights belong to 2Firsts or the original content provider. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other form of unauthorized use by any individual or organization is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally accountable.

For copyright-related inquiries, please contact: info@2firsts.com

AI Assistance Disclaimer

This article may have been enhanced using AI tools to improve translation and editorial efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, inaccuracies may occur. Readers are encouraged to refer to the cited sources for the most accurate information.

We welcome any corrections or feedback. Please contact us at: info@2firsts.com

NSW Police Seize About US$1.9 Million in Illegal Tobacco Products, Including 15,000 Vapes

During a recent routine traffic stop, New South Wales police discovered a large quantity of illegal tobacco and vapes hidden inside a rental truck, including approximately 942,000 cigarettes and more than 15,000 e-cigarettes, with an estimated value of nearly AUD 2 million. The 31-year-old driver was arrested at the scene and the case has now entered judicial proceedings.

Dec.01 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Russia's Perm Legislators Approve Full Ban on Vape Products in Regional Retail Market

2Firsts, November 28, 2025 — The Legislative Assembly of Perm Krai has passed a law banning the retail sale of vape products and other nicotine-aerosol devices, effective March 1, 2026. Individuals found selling such items will face fines between ₽15,000–₽20,000 (about US $180–240), while companies face ₽50,000–₽100,000 (about US $600–1,200). The ban covers all electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), heated-tobacco devices, and their components, regardless of nicotine content.

Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai

Complete Vape Prohibition Takes Effect Across Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has enacted a nationwide ban on the sale and circulation of e-cigarettes and related vape liquids, following the approval of a new law signed by President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The legislation introduces criminal liability for violations, with penalties including fines of 300 to 500 basic calculation units (approximately US$10,300–17,200), corrective labor for up to three years, or imprisonment for up to five years.

Nov.28 by 2FIRSTS.ai

EU to Abstain from WHO Tobacco Treaty Vote Amid Deep Internal Split

The European Union will abstain from voting at the upcoming 11th session of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (COP11) in Geneva, following months of internal disagreement over how to regulate tobacco and nicotine products. The decision marks a rare and public fracture in EU health policy, reportedly driven by the European Commission’s hardline anti-tobacco stance.