Thai Police Bust Large-Scale Illegal Vape Production Site

Key Points 

• Thai police raided an illegal vape production site in Chonburi;
• A 36-year-old Chinese national was arrested;
• Authorities seized vape devices, components and e-liquids;
• Powder linked to a psychoactive substance was found;
• The case involves violations of customs and product safety laws.

2Firsts, December 2025,22 – Thailand’s Economic Crime Suppression Division conducted a raid on a residence located in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province, arresting a 36-year-old Chinese national identified as Mr. Zhang.

During the search, police seized 4,945 packs of ready-to-use vape pods, 15,000 empty vape pods, 18,000 vape coils, 300 vape devices, 85 gallons of e-liquid, 50,000 vape pod caps, and a large quantity of manufacturing and packaging equipment.

Authorities also discovered 11 bags of cloudy and clear powder weighing more than 3,800 grams. Preliminary findings indicate a link to etomidate, a Category 2 psychoactive substance, which is currently undergoing further examination.

Investigators determined that the residence was used as a base for manufacturing and distributing vape products in bulk to middlemen, with enclosed pickup trucks frequently entering and exiting the property. The suspect denied the charges, claiming he was hired to guard the house and deliver goods for a monthly wage of 40,000 baht, and stated he was unaware the products were illegal. His employer has reportedly left the country.

Police warned that disposable vape pods are often adulterated with etomidate, a medical anesthetic that depresses the central nervous system and can cause dizziness, loss of consciousness and serious health risks when misused, including respiratory suppression, cardiac arrhythmia, weakened immunity and mental health effects such as hallucinations, depression and anxiety.

Under Thai law, the illegal importation, possession, sale or receipt of e-cigarettes and related equipment may result in penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment, fines of up to four times the total value of the goods including duties, or both.

Authorities urged the public to avoid e-cigarettes, choose regulated products and report any suspected illegal sales to help prevent harm to society.

Image source: tnnthailand