Picture courtesy of Bangkokpost - A Customs official inflates a balloon with nitrous oxide, as an example, at a press conference 

 

Customs officials in Bangkok have seized thousands of undeclared nitrous oxide cylinders, commonly known as laughing gas, smuggled from China and hidden among imported goods. The seizure, made on 29 October at Bangkok Port in Khlong Toey district, was announced by Customs Department director-general Phanthong Loykulnan during a press conference on 3 November. Authorities said the illegal shipment highlights growing concerns about the misuse of nitrous oxide as a recreational drug.

 

Phanthong confirmed that officers found 2,600 cylinders concealed inside boxes within a consignment of goods from China. The shipment did not list the gas on its cargo manifest, violating customs declaration laws. Each cylinder weighed five kilogrammes, with enough gas to inflate around 160 balloons. Officials estimated the total street value of the seized gas at 44 million baht, based on an average illegal market price of 100 baht per balloon.

 

Nitrous oxide, while legal for certain medical and industrial purposes, is increasingly being used illicitly as a party drug. When inhaled, it can produce brief euphoria or laughter but poses health risks, including oxygen deprivation and nerve damage. Authorities have previously warned that unauthorised possession or sale of the gas could lead to prosecution under laws governing hazardous substances.

 

The Customs Department has stepped up inspections at key entry points following a rise in smuggling attempts involving chemical agents and other controlled materials. The Bangkok Port seizure follows several smaller cases in which nitrous oxide was intercepted at ports and courier depots. Officials said they are working with other agencies to trace the network behind the import and identify the intended distributors.

 

Further investigations are underway to determine the origin and destination of the shipment and whether it is linked to organised smuggling rings. Customs officials said they will tighten cargo screening and enhance cooperation with Chinese authorities to prevent similar incidents. The case underscores Thailand’s ongoing efforts to curb the illegal importation of substances that can be misused for recreational purposes.

 

Key Takeaways

 

• Customs officials seized 2,600 undeclared nitrous oxide cylinders smuggled from China.

• The gas, worth about 44 million baht, was hidden among imported goods at Bangkok Port.

• Authorities are investigating the smuggling network and increasing port inspections.

 

Related Stories

 

Taiwanese-men-arrested-near-pattaya-for-nitrous-oxide-drugs

 

Foreign-nationals-arrested-for-selling-“laughing-gas”

 

 

  Adapted  by  Asean  Now from Bangkokpost 2025-11-04

 

 

 

 

What nonsense! Nitrous oxide is not illegal in Thailand nor can it be prohibited. It is essential to every hospital in the world. It's also harmless, even for recreational use.