Picture courtesy of Khaosod.

 

A 41-year-old woman has been arrested by highway police after she was caught driving a truck loaded with illegal e-cigarettes worth more than 8.3 million baht, allegedly smuggled across the border from Malaysia.

 

The suspect, identified as Ms. Yupadee Ounburum, was intercepted near the Wang Manao Highway Police Station in Pak Tho district, Ratchaburi province. Acting on intelligence that a major smuggling ring was transporting e-cigarettes from Malaysia for distribution to agents in Bangkok, officers set up a checkpoint and stopped the suspicious vehicle for inspection.

 

Upon searching the truck’s container, police discovered 23,760 units of pre-packaged e-cigarettes hidden among other goods. Ms. Yupadee was taken into custody at the scene.

 

According to police, this seizure is part of a larger crackdown on an organised smuggling network operating between Malaysia and Thailand. Authorities believe the group has been supplying illegal vaping products to distributors in the Thai capital.

 

Ms. Yupadee faces multiple charges under the law, including violations of the Consumer Protection Act, the Customs Act and for possession and transport of prohibited goods. She has been handed over to Pak Tho Police Station for further legal proceedings.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Khoasod 2025-07-24

 

 

 

Vaping being illegal is ridiculous. The black market vape (online) scene is huge. This "bust" is as drop in the ocean.

It´s good that they bust them. However, unloading at site???? Wouldn´t it be better to seize the truck and unload at designated place?