Chinese National Caught Running Cigarette Smuggling Ring

Pictures courtesy of Matichon

Authorities have uncovered a large-scale cigarette smuggling operation run by a Chinese national who built a secret underground storage room in central Bangkok. The Economic Crime Suppression Division (ECD) seized over 65,000 packs of untaxed Chinese cigarettes worth more than 6 million baht during coordinated raids on 30 October. The suspect, identified as Mr. Fang Weixin, aged 34, was arrested at a residence in the Ratchadaphisek area.

The operation was led by Pol. Maj. Gen. Thatphoom Jaruprat, Commander of the ECD, alongside Pol. Col. Naruephon Karuna and Pol. Lt. Col. Wanphet Janyaram, in collaboration with the Excise Department and the Thailand Tobacco Authority. Investigators searched two sites, one in Soi Ratchadaphisek 10, Huai Khwang, and another in Soi Lat Phrao 23, Chatuchak, uncovering vast quantities of illicit cigarettes imported from China without tax clearance.

According to police, the suspect managed an online sales network operating primarily through Telegram and TikTok, where he served as both administrator and distributor. The Telegram group had more than 4,000 members and offered home delivery services under a Chinese-language slogan meaning “We care about every step to deliver with confidence.” Officers from ECD Division 2 infiltrated the group, tracked delivery activity and later discovered the concealed underground storage area beneath Fang’s residence, containing 20,000 packs. A further 45,000 packs were found inside a commercial building in Lat Phrao.

Mr. Fang confessed to running the illegal business for a Chinese employer based in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, referred to as “the boss.” The employer allegedly oversaw a fully integrated operation covering smuggling, advertising and distribution. Fang claimed he earned a monthly salary of 50,000 baht plus commissions on sales. However, police investigations suggest the operation had been active for over a year, not merely since July as the suspect stated.

Authorities charged Fang with multiple offences, including smuggling and possessing untaxed goods under Section 256 of the Customs Act, violating the Excise Tax Act and working illegally under the Foreign Employment Management Decree. Penalties range from fines up to four times the value of the goods to imprisonment for up to five years.

Lt. Yonyut Phumprathet of the Excise Department described the case as one of the largest illegal cigarette seizures ever made in Bangkok, with an estimated 4 million baht in lost tax revenue. The department plans to impose fines amounting to 60 million baht against the accused. Officials warned consumers to buy only cigarettes carrying official Excise Department tax stamps and to verify authenticity through the department’s website.

Weerasak Inprap, Deputy Governor of the Thailand Tobacco Authority, added that unregulated cigarettes may contain toxic contaminants, posing extra health risks in addition to damaging the country’s tax system. Authorities will analyse seized digital evidence to determine whether the network has ties to scam syndicates operating from Cambodia.

Key Takeaways

• Police seized 65,000 packs of illegal Chinese cigarettes worth 6 million baht from hidden Bangkok locations.

• The suspect, a Chinese man linked to a Cambodia-based employer, faces customs, excise, and labour charges.

• Authorities estimate 4 million baht in lost tax revenue and are pursuing further investigations into possible cross-border links.

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  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Matichon 2025-10-31