Picture courtesy of Matichon.

 

Customs officials in southern Thailand have seized contraband including foreign cigarettes, e-cigarettes and hookah products worth over 4 million baht during an inspection of a private courier service in Songkhla province.

 

Mr. Thanakrit Linthong, Director of the Customs Region 4 Office, reported that the operation took place between 16 and 31 August. Officers from the Investigation and Suppression Division, the Customs Region 4 Special Task Force, Hat Yai Airport Customs and Songkhla Investigation and Suppression Unit carried out a coordinated search of parcels at the courier company.

 

The search uncovered 520,000 foreign cigarettes valued at 2,600,000 baht and 6,241 e-cigarettes with accessories worth 1,485,100 baht, bringing the total value of confiscated goods to 4,085,100 baht. The cigarettes were unstamped and had no proper import documentation, while the e-cigarettes and hookah products are prohibited under the Ministry of Commerce’s 2014 decree, which bans the import of such items due to health, social, and security risks.

 

The confiscated items have been seized under Section 167 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) for legal proceedings. Offenders may face charges under Sections 242, 245, 246, and 247 of the same Act.

 

Since 1 October 2024, Customs Region 4 has confiscated contraband with a combined value of over 76 million baht, including 13.2 million foreign cigarettes worth 61.5 million baht, 86,000 e-cigarettes and accessories worth 13.8 million baht, and 331 kilograms of hookah products valued at 794,448 baht.

 

Officials emphasised that the operation is part of an ongoing effort to prevent smuggling and protect the public.

 

 

  Adapted by Asean Now from Matichon 2025-09-03

 

 

 

On 9/3/2025 at 5:05 AM, Georgealbert said:

Since 1 October 2024, Customs Region 4 has confiscated contraband with a combined value of over 76 million baht, including 13.2 million foreign cigarettes worth 61.5 million baht, 86,000 e-cigarettes and accessories worth 13.8 million baht, and 331 kilograms of hookah products valued at 794,448 baht.

And what percentage don't they intercept? Control of the southern border smuggling routes is certainly worth fighting over.