Key points to watch:
1. Thailand has stepped up its crackdown on e-cigarettes, with all seized cases being referred to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) to trace the flow of funds and freeze assets. Cases involving over 500,000 Thai baht (15,000 US dollars) will be handled immediately.
2. The focus is on conducting awareness campaigns on the dangers of e-cigarettes in schools, developing an online reporting platform, using AI to screen keywords, and prohibiting the online sale and transportation of e-cigarettes.
3. Review and revise relevant laws, establish a committee to consolidate laws, and report progress to the Prime Minister by March 15.
Jiraporn Sinthuprai, Minister of the Prime Minister's Office, said on March 6 that authorities would follow the prime minister’s directive on e-cigarettes after a meeting on the issue, The Standard reported.
Jiraporn said the meeting covered emergency measures against e-cigarettes, public awareness efforts, and legal revisions, while also proposing long-term solutions. She instructed law enforcement agencies to compile enforcement results, report to the prime minister weekly, and update the public.
The public can report e-cigarette information through the Consumer Protection Office (CPB) or hotline. To facilitate tracking, the Digital Government Development Agency (DGA) plans to develop an online platform for public reporting within 1 to 2 weeks.
Authorities will also prioritize school campaigns to raise awareness of e-cigarette risks and relevant laws, a key focus for the prime minister. Relevant departments will review laws for potential revisions and form a committee to consolidate legal changes.
In addition, another committee will be established to address long-term issues and report progress to the prime minister by March 15.
The Department of Digital Economy and Society (DE) will use AI to screen keywords and has recently convened major online platforms and transportation companies to stress that the sale and transportation of e-cigarettes are prohibited. Signs banning e-cigarette sales have also been posted at delivery points.
The smuggling of e-cigarettes through waterways and borders, especially along the northeastern border, is a serious issue. Customs will be the primary enforcement agency and will work with the security department to strengthen enforcement efforts.
Moving forward, all cases detected at customs checkpoints will be handled strictly and referred to the AMLO to track the flow of funds and freeze assets, followed by further investigation by the Central Investigation Bureau.
Confiscated items involved in the case will be destroyed if a conviction is reached. Customs is currently considering the method of destruction but has noted insufficient budget for the procedure. The matter will be reported to the prime minister for further action. Newly seized items will also have to wait for a conviction before being destroyed.
Jiraporn emphasized that, regardless of the case size, items valued over 500,000 Thai baht (15,000 US dollars) will be immediately transferred to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for handling. Items valued below 500,000 Thai baht will still be tracked and forwarded to AMLO for further processing.
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.
