Pictures courtesy of SiamChon

Police have arrested a Chinese national in Pattaya following a covert operation targeting the illegal sale of electronic cigarettes and ketamine-laced vape pods, seizing more than 100 items and cash used in an undercover purchase. The arrest resulted in the confiscation of prohibited products, suspected drug-use equipment and a vehicle, with the suspect now facing multiple charges under consumer protection and customs laws.

The operation took place, under the direction of Pol Maj Gen Phongphan Wongmanithet, Commander of Chonburi Provincial Police. He was supported by Pol Col Kunlachat Kunachai and Pol Col Wasurach Chaitheerapat, Deputy Commanders, with overall control by Pol Col Anek Sratongyoo, Superintendent of Pattaya City Police Station. The arrest team was led by Pol Lt Col Arut Saphanont, Deputy Superintendent of Investigation, alongside Pol Lt Col Suradet Imjai and Pol Lt Col Thanet Saenghiran, investigation inspectors.

Prior to the arrest, officers planned a sting operation using an undercover agent to arrange the purchase of 100 e-cigarette pods, known as “pod k”, for 90,000 baht. The meeting was scheduled at a drop-off point inside a condominium in the Khao Noi area, where the suspect arrived to deliver the goods. Officers then identified themselves and arrested the suspect, identified as Mr Si Jiandong, aged 44, a Chinese national.

A search at the scene uncovered more than 100 e-cigarette pods, the 90,000 baht used in the sting, several mobile phones and one car. Police then expanded the investigation, searching another condominium room in Soi Korphai, South Pattaya, where they found additional equipment related to drug consumption. Further searches were carried out at two locations in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, resulting in the seizure of more pod k items, documents linked to the case and further evidence.

Police stated that the suspect would initially be charged with selling products banned by the Consumer Protection Board, including electronic cigarettes, e-liquids and pod k devices, under the Consumer Protection Act 1979. Additional charges include concealing, selling or possessing goods known to be connected with an offence, under Section 246 of the Customs Act 2017.

The suspect and all seized evidence were handed over to investigators at Nong Prue Police Station for legal proceedings. Police said the investigation would be expanded to identify sources of production and wider distribution networks, believing the products are being circulated in multiple areas and tourist destinations.

Authorities reiterated that electronic cigarettes and related pods remain illegal in Thailand, warning that both buyers and sellers are liable to prosecution. Police said they will continue crackdowns to prevent Pattaya from becoming a hub for illegal goods distribution.

Key Takeaways

• A 44-year-old Chinese national was arrested in Pattaya during a police sting targeting illegal e-cigarette sales.

• Officers seized over 100 vape pods, 90,000 baht in cash, mobile phones and a vehicle during coordinated searches.

• Police will expand the investigation to dismantle wider distribution networks of banned products.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now from SiamChon 2026-01-19

 

 

3 hours ago, Georgealbert said:

Authorities reiterated that electronic cigarettes and related pods remain illegal in Thailand,

Still haven't found a way to tax them!!

No one should be sucking that vaporized poison into their lungs.

Worse than tobacco it is.

1 hour ago, LennyW said:

Still haven't found a way to tax them!!

In the US it used to be that there was a US$100 tax on an ounce of cannabis (probably established in the 1930s, when $100 was a lot of money), and at the same time possession of the stuff was illegal. A high-profile individual in the late 1960s rose to the challenge and sent the US gov't $100 for such. Of course they then busted him and sent him to prison.

The guy was Timothy Leary.

Count how many top brass involved in this arrest! Surprised they didn't name the undercover guy.

4 hours ago, Woke to Sounds said:

Worse than tobacco it is.

Bit of a broad statement.

Any links to show proof of this?

If you can provide credible evidence I'll get off the vape and back on the cigarettes.

Ketamine aside this is all about the Government monopoly on tobacco and their fear that e-cigarettes could offer competition that they cannot profit from, nor control.

20 hours ago, LennyW said:

Still haven't found a way to tax them!!

Well they mange to tax cigarettes, but then again they too can be bought on the streets!