Thailand Customs Seized Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth Millions

Aug.27.2024
Thailand Customs Seized Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth Millions
Thai customs intercepted over 128,000 illegal e-cigarettes worth $590,000, showing increased efforts to combat smuggling in the country.

According to a report by Siamrath on August 26, Thai customs intercepted a shipment of illegal e-cigarettes in Phetchabun province on August 23, with an estimated value exceeding 20 million Thai baht (about $590,000 USD).

Thailand Customs Seized Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth Millions
Thai customs seized a total of 128,130 disposable e-cigarettes, worth over $590,000. | Image source: Siamrath


In a recent statement, Panthong Loikun, a spokesperson for the Thailand Customs Department, emphasized that the government places a high priority on combatting the smuggling of tobacco products, including e-cigarettes. In recent years, e-cigarettes have become increasingly popular among young people and the general public. Smugglers often modify their appearance and even mix them with other drugs, posing a serious threat to public health.

Thailand Customs Seized Illegal E-Cigarettes Worth Millions
Thai customs seize 128,130 disposable e-cigarettes worth over $590,000 | Image source: Siamrath


In response, Director General of the Customs Department Teerachai Attawanich proposed a series of strict measures to enhance prevention and crackdown on smuggling activities.


According to reports, on August 23, the Customs Department conducted a thorough inspection of a container from China at a freight station in Mora Phan province, and found that the declared contents did not match the actual goods. After a detailed search, the customs officials seized a total of 128,130 disposable e-cigarettes, valued at over 20 million Thai baht (approximately $590,000). Among the confiscated products were e-cigarettes under the brand "INFY".


These goods were seized based on the relevant provisions of the Customs Law for false declaration, tax evasion, and violation of import bans.


Furthermore, Pan Tong also revealed that throughout the month of August, customs authorities have been cracking down on e-cigarette smuggling, resulting in multiple similar cases being discovered nationwide.


According to official statistics, from October 1, 2023 to August 25, 2024, the Thai Customs Department has dealt with a total of 343 cases of e-cigarette smuggling, confiscating over 1.2 million items related to the cases with a total value exceeding 92 million Thai baht (approximately 2.7 million US dollars).


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

Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Governor: Targeted Vape Restrictions More Effective Than Full Ban
Novosibirsk Region Governor Andrey Travnikov said during a live Q&A session that local authorities have no plans to impose a full ban on the sale of vapes and disposable e-cigarettes. He argued that a regional ban would be ineffective and could encourage gray market activity and cross-border resale.
Dec.12 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s vape industry flags “policy U-turn” concerns after ban on refillable open-system e-cigarettes
Malaysia’s vape industry flags “policy U-turn” concerns after ban on refillable open-system e-cigarettes
Malaysia’s vape industry has raised concerns over the government’s decision to ban refillable open-system e-cigarettes, describing it as a policy reversal despite earlier regulatory approvals.
Jan.08 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Congress Prepares Total Ban on Vapes and E-Cigarettes
Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies is preparing to vote on several major bills before the end of the legislative session, including a full ban on vapes and e-cigarettes. The proposed reform to the General Health Law would prohibit the manufacturing, sale, import, and export of these products, imposing penalties of up to eight years in prison and fines exceeding 200,000 pesos (approximately USD 11,000). L
Dec.09 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Irish Cabinet to Consider Bill Banning Sale of Single-Use Vapes
Irish Cabinet to Consider Bill Banning Sale of Single-Use Vapes
Ireland’s Minister for Health, Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, will seek Cabinet approval today for the publication of the Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025, which proposes banning the retail sale of single-use or disposable vapes six months after becoming law. The measure aims to address the growing use of disposable vapes, particularly among young people, and close regulatory gaps around emerging nicotine products such as pouches.
Nov.18 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nepal: 80 cartons of e-cigarettes seized, valued at US$150,000
Nepal: 80 cartons of e-cigarettes seized, valued at US$150,000
In Nepal’s Mustang district, authorities seized 80 cartons of e-cigarettes valued at NPR 22,459,320 (approximately US$150,000) in Lomanthang Rural Municipality-4, Nechung, and detained a 32-year-old man, Pema Lama. The account says the e-cigarettes were allegedly brought illegally from China three to four days earlier and loaded near the Korala Nepal–China border point before being intercepted.
Jan.13 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
Philippines Probe Agency Seizes 800 Smuggled Vape Products in Manila, Stores Face Multiple Charges
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) recently seized around PHP 250,000 (approximately USD 4,250) worth of smuggled and unregistered vape devices and liquids—about 800 items in total—from two stores in Manila. Authorities said the devices could be modified to discreetly consume cannabinoids and other illegal drugs, and that those involved will face charges under the Philippines’ Vaporized Nicotine and Non-Nicotine Products Regulation Act and the Consumer Act.
Dec.02 by 2FIRSTS.ai