Foreign Hotel Manager Arrested for Illegal E-Cigarette & Smuggled Cigarette Sales

[Georgealbert]

 

Picture of arrest.

 

Authorities have arrested three individuals, including a foreign hotel manager, for illegally selling e-cigarettes and smuggled cigarettes at a hotel on Ko Pha Ngan. A significant quantity of contraband was seized during the operation.

 

At 18:30 on 11 February, Lieutenant General Saksira Phuekam, Commissioner of the Tourist Police, ordered a crackdown on foreign nationals engaging in illegal businesses and taking jobs from Thai citizens. The operation, led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Winij Boonchit of the Tourist Police Division 5, was conducted in coordination with the local administrative authorities and immigration police on Ko Pha Ngan.

 

Authorities had received reports that a hotel in Ban Tai subdistrict was illegally selling untaxed cigarettes and e-cigarettes near an educational institution. Upon inspection, officers found a display at the hotel’s bar featuring various cigarette and e-cigarette brands that are not legally sold in Thailand.

 

Police questioned two suspects: Phakorn, a Thai national and assistant hotel manager, and Ivan, a Serbian national who served as the hotel’s manager. Both admitted to being involved in the sale of the illegal products, which were confiscated by the authorities.

 

Phakorn and Ivan confessed to purchasing the contraband cigarettes from a Bulgarian associate for 20,000 baht and selling them to hotel guests. E-cigarettes were sold for 600 baht each, while cigarettes were priced at 100 baht per pack. The two shared the profits equally.

 

A third suspect, Ashley, nationality not disclosed, was also arrested. She admitted to working illegally, as she was in Thailand on a tourist visa and did not have a work permit. Ivan had hired her as a receptionist in exchange for free accommodation and meals.

 

The suspects were charged with smuggling, illegal sales, and handling untaxed goods without proper customs clearance or authorisation.

 

Lieutenant General Saksira Phuekam has instructed tourist police in key tourism hotspots to intensify crackdowns on foreign nationals involved in illegal activities. Authorities aim to take strict legal action to uphold Thailand’s tourism reputation and ensure a safe and lawful environment during the high season.

 

-- 2025-02-13

 

 

[dinsdale]

Well these idiots haven't played by rules. Obviously haven't payed off the BIB or refused to pay the new demand.

[Blueman1]

What Brand were they ?? If He had Any Menthol I'd have bought quite a few !!

[hotchilli]

Didn't grease the correct palms.