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

DOJ Trade Fraud Task Force Tops $1 Billion in Cases, Putting Vape Supply Chains at Risk of Fraud Enforcement
DOJ Trade Fraud Task Force Tops $1 Billion in Cases, Putting Vape Supply Chains at Risk of Fraud Enforcement
According to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Fox News and other reports, the DOJ’s Trade Fraud Task Force (TFTF) has been linked to more than $1 billion in recoveries, penalties, forfeitures and publicly charged losses in less than one year. The task force focuses on trade fraud issues including country-of-origin fraud, illegal transshipment, false declarations and tariff evasion. While vape products are not the main source of the $1 billion figure, the industry’s reliance on global manufacturing and cross-border supply chains places it within broader U.S. trade enforcement scrutiny. The development suggests that U.S. oversight of cross-border vape products may increasingly extend beyond product authorization into import compliance, supply-chain transparency and corporate accountability.
Jul.23
UK Vape Brands Face White-Packaging and Flavour-Name Curbs in Youth-Appeal Crackdown
UK Vape Brands Face White-Packaging and Flavour-Name Curbs in Youth-Appeal Crackdown
The UK government and devolved administrations have launched a 12-week consultation on proposals to make vapes less appealing to children, including plain white packaging, limits on device colours, restrictions on flavour names and changes to how products are displayed in shops.
Jul.10
China’s HTP Exports Fell 14.3% in H1 2026 as Russia and Belarus Accounted for 76% Lead
China’s HTP Exports Fell 14.3% in H1 2026 as Russia and Belarus Accounted for 76% Lead
In H1 2026, China’s HS 24041100 exports stood at $1.32 million, down 14.3% YoY, with volume falling 17.2% to 55.33 tons. Market distribution shifted drastically amid overall export drops. Exports to Russia and Belarus totaled $1 million, taking 76.0% of all shipments versus 29.5% in H1 2025. Belarus became the top destination with export value jumping 177.5%, while the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia’s combined share slumped from 49.3% to 11.2%.Domestically, Yunnan led exporter registrations; Jiangsu and Shanghai were key suppliers, yet Anhui and Sichuan had no exports. Heavy concentration means order or declaration changes for Russia/Belarus greatly affect national aggregate data. The data shows customs entry points (not end markets), covering tobacco consumables only, excluding heating equipment and the complete HTP supply chain.
Aug.11
Ohio Supreme Court Weighs Whether State Consumer Law Can Restrict Flavored Vape Sales
Ohio Supreme Court Weighs Whether State Consumer Law Can Restrict Flavored Vape Sales
The Ohio Supreme Court is hearing a case involving flavored vape sales and whether state authorities can use consumer protection laws to take action against retailers selling unauthorized vape products. Ohio officials argue that selling unauthorized flavored vapes may constitute consumer deception, while retailers argue that tobacco product regulation falls under federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authority and that states cannot impose additional restrictions through consumer laws. The case could affect the scope of state-level vape regulation across the United States.
Aug.06
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
Virginia Tightens Vape and Tobacco Retail Enforcement, With Fines Up to $15,000 Per Unlisted Product
A new Virginia law that took effect on July 1, 2026, requires retailers to obtain permits to sell liquid nicotine, vape and tobacco products, while directing Virginia ABC to conduct inspections and verify that stores sell only products listed in the state directory.
Jul.20
China’s Jinhua Tobacco Launches CNY 2.7 Million Procurement for E-Cigarette Violation Lead Monitoring Services
China’s Jinhua Tobacco Launches CNY 2.7 Million Procurement for E-Cigarette Violation Lead Monitoring Services
Jinhua Tobacco, a municipal tobacco company in China’s Zhejiang province, has launched a public tender for e-cigarette-related violation lead monitoring and consulting services. The project is valued at CNY 2.7 million and covers data resource integration and analytical consulting services for 36 months from contract signing. The procurement reflects the use of external data and analysis services to support local tobacco companies’ market oversight activities related to e-cigarettes.
Aug.07