According to a recent report by MGR Online, Phanthong Loykunlanunt, spokesperson for the Thai Customs Department, stated that Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha has ordered an acceleration in efforts to crack down on cigarette and e-cigarette smuggling activities.
The Director-General of Customs, Theerat Attanawanit, has responded to this policy and urged customs officials to strictly prevent and crack down on illegal activities. Customs officials will conduct thorough inspections at all checkpoints for any type of goods that may contain cigarettes or e-cigarettes, whether they are in containers or packages. In addition, they will collaborate with relevant departments such as the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Labor, Office of the Consumer Protection Commission, and the National Police Bureau to investigate smuggling activities of e-cigarettes. If there are leads regarding shops or warehouses possibly involved in smuggling and selling untaxed cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and their accessories, the department will conduct on-site inspections.
According to statistics, from May 1st to 17th, the Thai customs department has arrested 31 individuals suspected of smuggling cigarettes, seizing a total of 1,189,700 cigarettes valued at 6,730,518 Thai Baht (approximately $187,000 USD). Additionally, there have been 14 cases involving e-cigarettes, e-liquid, and e-cigarette devices, with a total of 35,336 items valued at 5,590,821 Thai Baht (approximately $155,000 USD). In total, customs have uncovered 45 smuggling cases, involving a total of 1,225,036 items valued at 12,321,339 Thai Baht (approximately $343,000 USD). According to sections 242, 246, 166, and 167 of the Thai Customs Act, these actions are considered criminal offenses.
Notice
1. This article is provided exclusively for professional research purposes related to industry, technology and policy. Any reference to brands or products is made solely for the purpose of objective description and does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or promotion of any brand or product.
2. The use of nicotine products, including but not limited to cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products, is associated with significant health risks. Users are required to comply with all relevant laws and regulations in their respective jurisdictions.
3. This article is strictly restricted from being accessed or viewed by individuals under the legal age.
Copyright
This article is either an original work by 2Firsts or a reproduction from third-party sources with the original source clearly indicated. The copyright and usage rights of this article belong to 2Firsts or the original source. Unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or any other unauthorized use of this article by any entity or individual is strictly prohibited. Violators will be held legally responsible. For copyright-related matters, please contact: info@2firsts.com
AI Assistance Disclaimer
This article may have utilized AI to enhance translation and editing efficiency. However, due to technical limitations, errors may occur. Readers are advised to refer to the sources provided for more accurate information.
This article should not be used as a basis for any investment decisions or advice, and 2Firsts assumes no direct or indirect liability for any errors in the content.
