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

Product | “2+20” Configuration and Magnetic Semi-Enclosed Design: JNR Open-System E-cigarette Enters the UK Market
Product | “2+20” Configuration and Magnetic Semi-Enclosed Design: JNR Open-System E-cigarette Enters the UK Market
The e-cigarette brand JNR has recently launched its open-system product, JNR Whale, in the UK market, with the device now available through online retail channels such as Vape Sourcing and IDEA VAPE. The product features a 2+20 ml refillable configuration, combined with a dual mesh coil and a magnetic design, and is priced at approximately £11.99 across retail channels.
Dec.16 by 2FIRSTS.ai
2Firsts “Decisive 2026” Concludes: Reviewing the 2025 U.S. Market and Mapping Compliance Pathways Ahead
2Firsts “Decisive 2026” Concludes: Reviewing the 2025 U.S. Market and Mapping Compliance Pathways Ahead
2Firsts hosted “Decisive 2026” in Shenzhen, bringing together industry perspectives to examine major shifts in the U.S. new tobacco market in 2025 and their global implications. Sessions covered U.S. market dynamics, technical insights from recently PMTA-authorized products, an investor lens on tobacco capital markets, and 2025 news/product highlights. The event underscored a structural shift from “gray business” toward compliance and sustainable growth, expected to become clearer by 2026.
Jan.09
Tennessee Cracks Down on Vaping: 10 % Tax Hike, Expanded Enforcement Powers, Mandatory ID Checks at Every Retail Counter
Tennessee Cracks Down on Vaping: 10 % Tax Hike, Expanded Enforcement Powers, Mandatory ID Checks at Every Retail Counter
New Tennessee laws passed this year impose a 10 % tax on vaping products, empower the Tennessee Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to conduct compliance inspections, and set steep fines for retailers who sell to minors. Yet, with no statewide retail-licensing scheme for e-cigarettes, enforcing the penalties remains problematic. Meanwhile, stores in cities like Jackson have voluntarily stepped up ID scanning and product tracking to help the rules take hold.
Dec.03 by 2FIRSTS.ai
British American Tobacco Introduces Facial Age Verification in Italy, Pilot Covers 119 Stores
British American Tobacco Introduces Facial Age Verification in Italy, Pilot Covers 119 Stores
British American Tobacco’s Italian unit is partnering with digital identity firm Yoti to pilot facial-scan age verification at 119 pop-up stores nationwide, aiming to supplement traditional ID checks and prevent underage purchases of tobacco and nicotine products.
Dec.25 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Russia’s Federation Council Approves Ban on Vape and Cigarette Sales at Transport Stops
Russia’s Federation Council Approves Ban on Vape and Cigarette Sales at Transport Stops
Russia’s Federation Council has approved a law banning the sale of all nicotine-containing products, including cigarettes and e-cigarettes, at urban and suburban public transport stops. The law includes an exemption for cases where a retail outlet at a stop is the only point of sale in a locality. The legislation will come into force on September 1, 2026.
Dec.19 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Nicotine Pouch Brand VELO and McLaren Unveil Special Livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Nicotine Pouch Brand VELO and McLaren Unveil Special Livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
According to PRNewswire, VELO and the McLaren Formula 1 Team have unveiled a special livery for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, co-created by nine superfans from around the world. The design forms the highlight of the “Live Your Fandom” campaign, reflecting memorable fan stories and celebrating the global McLaren community.
Dec.04 by 2FIRSTS.ai