Bangkok Police Arrest “Young Entrepreneurs” Gang for Disguised E-Cigarette Deliveries

Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

Metropolitan Police Division 3 have arrested two members of a criminal group known as “Young Entrepreneurs”, who exploited a national e-cigarette shortage by distributing illegal products while posing as food delivery riders.

The suspects, identified as Mr. Pongsiri (27), known as Pong, and Mr. Phat (27), known as Pok, were detained after a covert police operation in the Thong Romklao market area of Min Buri. Officers seized a large quantity of illegal vaping products disguised in parcels intended for online delivery.

Under the command of Pol Col Krit Komnoi, the operation was carried out by a team led by Pol Lt Col Jamnong Prasopsukmangdee. Investigators uncovered that the group had been operating an online e-cigarette distribution service from a seemingly closed shop front. Orders were placed via social media or messaging apps, with payments made by bank transfer. Products were then delivered by couriers impersonating Line Man food delivery drivers, complete with uniforms and delivery boxes mounted on motorbikes.

Surveillance confirmed the operation’s method: one suspect was seen in a Line Man jacket placing parcels into a delivery box and riding away on a red-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle. Officers intercepted him on Romklao Road and searched the parcels, uncovering nine popular disposable e-cigarette devices.

A subsequent raid on the store revealed further inventory:

• 18 standard e-cigarette devices

• 85 disposable e-cigarettes

• 229 bottles of e-liquid

• 1,013 accessories including pods and coils

In total, 1,354 illegal items were seized, along with marketing materials, QR code payment signs linked to a Kasikorn Bank account, a tablet running inventory software, and sales records showing daily earnings of up to 100,000 baht.

During interrogation, Pong admitted the group called themselves “Young Entrepreneurs” and had been active since the government launched a crackdown on e-cigarette distribution, which had caused product shortages and driven up prices. He stated that the shop was leased by associates “Ms. Patch” and “Mr. Mam”, who handled online orders. Pok managed inventory and packaging, while Pong acted as the delivery rider to avoid suspicion.

Their customer base stretched across Bangkok’s outer districts, including Romklao, Lat Krabang, Min Buri, and Nong Chok, with deliveries reportedly made as far as Nakhon Nayok for a fee of 800 baht.

Both suspects face two main charges:

1. Illegal sale and distribution of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, in violation of Consumer Protection Board Order No. 9/2558. Penalty: up to 3 years’ imprisonment, a 600,000 baht fine, or both.

2. Possession of smuggled goods not declared through customs, violating Section 246 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560. Penalty: up to 5 years’ imprisonment, a 500,000 baht fine, or both.

The accused and all seized items have been transferred to Min Buri Police Station for further legal proceedings.

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khaosod 2025-05-17.