Picture courtesy of Kaoded

 

Customs officers at the Padang Besar checkpoint in Songkhla Province have seized a large consignment of illegal e-cigarettes and related products with an estimated street value of over 5.2 million baht.

 

The operation took place at approximately 16:00 on 31 July, as part of a broader crackdown ordered by Thailand’s Customs Department. Officers stopped a suspicious pick-up truck bearing licence plate from Songkhla as it attempted to cross the border into Thailand at the Padang Besar crossing.

 

Upon inspection, customs officials discovered a significant quantity of contraband concealed within the vehicle:

 

• 42 cartons of disposable e-cigarettes, totalling 7,560 units

• 18 cartons of vape pods and liquid refills, totalling 3,600 units

• 20 cartons of roti sheets, amounting to 200 packs

 

The total market value of the seized items is estimated at 5.2 million baht. Officials confirmed that the goods had not undergone proper customs clearance procedures and were therefore in violation of Thailand’s customs laws. All contraband was confiscated and the suspect was handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

 

The operation was carried out under the directives of Mr. Theerachai Attanawanich, Director-General of the Customs Department and Mr. Phanthong Loikulnan, advisor on revenue development and tax management. The crackdown reflects an ongoing commitment to combat smuggling and tax evasion, and to protect public health and economic fairness.

 

This seizure was ordered by Mr. Thanakrit Linthong, Director of Customs Region 4, with support from Mr. Chotinarin Kerdsom, Governor of Songkhla and Mr. Wichet Saikieseng, District Chief of Sadao.

 

The operation was executed by a joint task force including:

 

• Mr. Harin Horwang, Chief of Padang Besar Customs Checkpoint

• Mr. Boonchai Rerkthula, Director of Customs Investigation and Suppression Bureau (CISB)

• Mr. Jakkrapan Wannapong, Director of the Southern Border Customs Office

• Pol. Col. Komthep Paoin, Superintendent of Padang Besar Police Station

 

Authorities reaffirmed their determination to continue tightening border control measures and dismantling networks involved in the illegal importation of goods.

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Kaoded 2025-08-02

 

 

 

Obviously, this is the tip of the iceberg. 

9 hours ago, nausea said:

Obviously, this is the tip of the iceberg. 

A large part of the southern conflict is actually to do with who controls the smuggling - there's a lot of money involved, whether cigarettes, booze, petrol, drugs, guns or people.