Thai Customs Seize E-Cigarettes, Nitrous Oxide, & Coin Changers Worth Over 30 Million Baht

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture courtesy of Thai Customs 

 

The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of illicit goods, including e-cigarettes, nitrous oxide, and automatic coin changers, with an estimated value exceeding 30 million baht. The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Customs Department headquarters in Klong Toey, led by Mr Panthong Loykulnanta, Advisor on Tax Development and Collection, and Ms Nanththita Sirikup, Advisor on Customs Control Development.

 

Mr Panthong stated that the operation was part of the government’s directive to combat illegal imports of e-cigarettes and related products. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, alongside Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Phichai Chunhavachira and Deputy Finance Minister Chulaphan Amornwiwat, prioritised strict enforcement against these illicit activities. Customs Director-General Teerachai Attanawanich had instructed officials to intensify surveillance, apprehend violators, and collaborate with other agencies, including the Ministry of Commerce, Ministry of Interior, Consumer Protection Board, and the Royal Thai Police, to investigate smuggling operations.

 

The confiscated items were discovered during inspections on 17 and 19 December at the Bangkok Port Customs Office. Two shipping containers from China contained undeclared goods, including:

 

1. Disposable E-Cigarettes: 112,600 units valued at 28.15 million baht. These items are prohibited under the 2014 Ministry of Commerce directive, which bans the importation of hookahs and e-cigarettes.

 

2. Nitrous Oxide Gas (Laughing Gas): 770 canisters, each weighing 5 kilograms, valued at 1.925 million baht. Importing nitrous oxide requires a permit from the Food and Drug Administration under the 1967 Drug Act.

 

3. Automatic Coin Changers: 18 machines valued at 360,000 baht.

 

The importation of these goods constitutes a violation of the 2017 Customs Act (Sections 202, 243, 244, and 252), the 1967 Drug Act, and the 1979 Export and Import Act. Violators face prosecution for providing false or incomplete information to evade taxes and restrictions.

 

Mr Panthong further highlighted the Customs Department’s achievements in the 2024 fiscal year (1 October 2023 – 23 December 2023), during which 103 cases of e-cigarette smuggling were recorded, involving 416,560 items valued at 39.07 million baht.

 

The Customs Department urges importers and exporters to adhere strictly to relevant laws and regulations, reiterating its commitment to rigorous enforcement to protect society and the nation’s interests.

 

-- 2024-12-25

 

 

[Tropicalevo]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Two shipping containers from China contained undeclared goods, including:

 

Thank you China for your ongoing contribution to the decline of Thailand's economy. https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/emoticons/whistling.gif https://assets.aseannow.com/forum/uploads/emoticons/whistling.gif

[flyingtlger]

4 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

2024 fiscal year (1 October 2023 – 23 December 2023), during which 103 cases of e-cigarette smuggling were recorded, involving 416,560 items valued at 39.07 million baht.

 

LOL, that's only the tip of the iceberg.....

[ricklev]

3. Automatic Coin Changers:

 

Slot machines?

[Mr Meeseeks]

11 hours ago, ricklev said:

3. Automatic Coin Changers:

 

Slot machines?

 

I think they are the machines you put notes in to get coins, but I could be wrong.

[hotchilli]

On 12/25/2024 at 4:42 AM, Georgealbert said:

The Thai Customs Department announced the seizure of illicit goods, including e-cigarettes, nitrous oxide, and automatic coin changers, with an estimated value exceeding 30 million baht.

That's gonna hurt someone... hope they trace the shipment and nail the purchaser.

[alesaldana]

10 hours ago, Mr Meeseeks said:

 

I think they are the machines you put notes in to get coins, but I could be wrong.

If so, are they illegal? Every coin-operated laundromat has them and also arcades in shopping malls and many other places.