Picture courtesy of Workpoint.

 

Authorities have seized a shipping container loaded with more than 71,000 disposable e-cigarettes, valued at over 14 million baht, in a major operation targeting illegal imports at Laem Chabang Port.

 

The Department of Special Investigation (DSI), working in coordination with the Customs Office at Laem Chabang, intercepted and inspected container number MRSU8500755 following a tip-off from an anti-smuggling task force. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the DSI’s Taxation Crime Division.

 

On 24 June, officers carried out a joint inspection of the container and uncovered a substantial haul of single-use e-cigarettes believed to have been illegally imported. The entire shipment was impounded as evidence and authorities have now launched a full investigation to identify the individuals or companies behind the import.

 

Officials said the seizure forms part of a broader crackdown in line with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive to aggressively combat large-scale producers, distributors and smuggling networks of illegal vaping products. The government has made it a national priority to disrupt such operations and bring offenders to justice.

 

Further legal action is expected to be taken following the completion of the investigation, with charges expected to be filed against all involved parties.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Workpoint 2025-06-26

 

 

 

An illegal shipment of this size was most likely not the first time. Did a brown envelope fail to reach the right hands?

I see people using these things all over the place, including in a large pub style place on Buakhao and nobody says a word.  Why ban these things? If they're as bad as people claim the problem will be self limiting. 

3 hours ago, flaming dragon said:

I see people using these things all over the place, including in a large pub style place on Buakhao and nobody says a word.  Why ban these things? If they're as bad as people claim the problem will be self limiting. 

Because they are competition for the Thai tobacco monopoly.....who carry some weight. Like tobacco they do not cause ill health fast enough and are in reality a burden on society.