Police seized more than THB200 million worth of e-cigarettes and related products during a warehouse raid in Samut Prakan, arresting seven suspects and expanding their investigation into a major online distribution network. The operation took place in the Phraeksa area of Muang district, led jointly by the Royal Thai Police, Metropolitan Police investigators and Provincial Police Region 1. Officers confiscated over 20,000 items and detained seven individuals at the scene.

Get today's headlines by email

Authorities said the warehouse was linked to a large-scale online seller operating through a website called Shisha Chic. Investigators traced the operation after identifying significant online sales activity, which led them to the storage site. Police described the raid as dismantling a major e-cigarette distribution network supplying customers nationwide.

The seven suspects face charges under the Customs Act BE 2560 (2017) and the Consumer Protection Act BE 2522 (1979). Allegations include jointly selling e-cigarettes and handling goods known to have been imported without proper customs procedures. Initial questioning found all seven were employees responsible for packing orders and delivering goods to parcel agents, with a van used daily for transport.

Evidence from seized computers showed the operation processed more than 1,000 orders per day, generating daily cash flow worth several million baht. Police believe the warehouse functioned as a central hub for fulfilling online orders, with stockpiles organised based on incoming demand. The investigation is now focused on identifying and prosecuting those behind the operation.

Pol Gen Nirandon Luamsri, deputy national police chief, said authorities would expand the probe to pursue masterminds and others involved in the network. He also instructed officers to consider action under the Anti-Money Laundering Act BE 2542 (1999). The crackdown forms part of a broader effort to curb the spread of e-cigarettes, particularly among young people.

The Nation reported that police said similar operations will be launched nationwide targeting distributors, online sellers and covert physical shops. The public has been urged to report illegal sales via the 1599 hotline, with future tip-offs also accepted through the Police Care application.

Pictures courtesy of The Nation

Join the discussion?

Already a member?

Adapted by ASEAN Now Nation 1 May 2026

View full article

There is big need to legalize vaping.. It will attrack more tourists as a lot of EU citizens are vaping, secondly it will be good for the revenue department as there is a lot of money brought in, and everybody will be happy, as soo many people in Thailand are vaping already including soldiers, policemen, government officials and normal citizens. Better to get the benefit of it than let it exists without any positive contribution to the tax office. The money is needed and it will gain much more than an exit tax for Thais

Vape outlets are the new gambling dens - this is a BIB turf war.

You think to 200 millions worth are going to be destroyed? just like that, to the bin? me not think so.

Just now, ezzra said:

You think to 200 millions worth are going to be destroyed? just like that, to the bin? me not think so.

Plenty on sale in the market by now!

7 hours ago, ikke1959 said:

There is big need to legalize vaping.. It will attrack more tourists as a lot of EU citizens are vaping, secondly it will be good for the revenue department as there is a lot of money brought in, and everybody will be happy, as soo many people in Thailand are vaping already including soldiers, policemen, government officials and normal citizens. Better to get the benefit of it than let it exists without any positive contribution to the tax office. The money is needed and it will gain much more than an exit tax for Thais

Do your research first. I'm sure after reading recently published studies you wouldn't post that nonsense

Just now, ezzra said:

You think to 200 millions worth are going to be destroyed? just like that, to the bin? me not think so.

Tomorrow they'll be back on the black market somewhere in Thailand.

When there are stories like this, I always wonder how could they come into the country? How did they pass the notorious customs? Could they be corrupted? Nah.. ? Really? hm.. 🤔

Just now, ezzra said:

You think to 200 millions worth are going to be destroyed? just like that, to the bin? me not think so.

Agree.. too much money in this to be destroyed.

Just now, newbee2022 said:

Do your research first. I'm sure after reading recently published studies you wouldn't post that nonsense

Nonsense?

The fact is that despite all the risks that vaping poses, cigarette smoking is far more harmful. The Thai government is not concerned about the health of its citizens, with the vape ban it is simply protecting the cigarette industry from declining sales. The tobacco lobby in Thailand is well connected to those in power.

Just now, newbee2022 said:

Do your research first. I'm sure after reading recently published studies you wouldn't post that nonsense

did you do any research? How many people in the Western world are vaping?? All missed tourists, income and work... How many places you can buy e cigarettes in Thailand??? Every market or even on the streets... How much money is the Government gain if they would make it legal and taxed it? Do you really think that the air pollution in Thailand has no influence on the health of people and only vaping? Do you really believe that the tabacco industry want to loose a part of the market and that they care about the real unhealthy tabacco smoke, and cancers they cause already for many years??? Research first before you dare to say that others have to do their job...

Just now, ikke1959 said:

did you do any research? How many people in the Western world are vaping?? All missed tourists, income and work... How many places you can buy e cigarettes in Thailand??? Every market or even on the streets... How much money is the Government gain if they would make it legal and taxed it? Do you really think that the air pollution in Thailand has no influence on the health of people and only vaping? Do you really believe that the tabacco industry want to loose a part of the market and that they care about the real unhealthy tabacco smoke, and cancers they cause already for many years??? Research first before you dare to say that others have to do their job...

Well, I know many ignore science and medical proof indeed. So, you're not alone, but that doesn't mean you're right. Sorry to disturb you

Just now, BerndD said:

Nonsense?

The fact is that despite all the risks that vaping poses, cigarette smoking is far more harmful. The Thai government is not concerned about the health of its citizens, with the vape ban it is simply protecting the cigarette industry from declining sales. The tobacco lobby in Thailand is well connected to those in power.

This thread is about vaping, not cigarettes or any other issues. Stay on topic

Just now, newbee2022 said:

Well, I know many ignore science and medical proof indeed. So, you're not alone, but that doesn't mean you're right. Sorry to disturb you

This thread is about vaping, not cigarettes or any other issues. Stay on topic

I am on topic. The ban on vapes is based on the preference for cigarettes. Maybe you don't get it, senior teacher!

200,000,000THB/(over)20,000 items = ~10,000THB/item

What could be this ~10,000 baht item? Gray area math helping the black market. 555

Just now, BerndD said:

I am on topic. The ban on vapes is based on the preference for cigarettes. Maybe you don't get it, senior teacher!

No, the topic is different. Re-read

Just now, noserious said:

200,000,000THB/(over)20,000 items = ~10,000THB/item

What could be this ~10,000 baht item? Gray area math helping the black market. 555

Assuming a black market price of 500 baht/vape, that's 10 million Baht.

In Thailand they obviously like to generously round up upwards.

Just now, newbee2022 said:

No, the topic is different. Re-read

You are right and I have my peace! 555

Just now, BerndD said:

You are right and I have my peace! 555

Rest in your peace 🙏

Just now, BerndD said:

I expected something from you, so not surprised. Probably it makes your life happier.

Just now, newbee2022 said:

Do your research first. I'm sure after reading recently published studies you wouldn't post that nonsense

The problem is, most of the "research" is funded by the tobacco companies, giving out massive grants to otherwise dormant research groups with the understanding the findings will scare people into not using vapes.

The tobacco companies have lost so much money to the vape industry, it's hardly surprising they will do whatever is needed to spread bad press about vaping. Look at what the tobacco companies have done to the laws in Thailand, a vaping fine is bigger than serious crime fines.

While i agree that vaping is not good for your health, compared to tobacco, it is the lesser of two evils.

When i am forced to smoke tobacco in Thailand due to the vape situation, i develop a very nasty cough, as soon as i am able to use vapes again my cough disappears within days.

Yes, i know i should give up nicotine but i know which delivery system hurts me less.

Just now, WHansen said:

The problem is, most of the "research" is funded by the tobacco companies, giving out massive grants to otherwise dormant

Don't read.

Proper studies tell you always who fund them

Just legalize and tax it. People doing it anyways. It will bring income for the government and saving police costs

On 5/2/2026 at 2:46 AM, ikke1959 said:

did you do any research? How many people in the Western world are vaping?? All missed tourists, income and work... How many places you can buy e cigarettes in Thailand??? Every market or even on the streets... How much money is the Government gain if they would make it legal and taxed it? Do you really think that the air pollution in Thailand has no influence on the health of people and only vaping? Do you really believe that the tabacco industry want to loose a part of the market and that they care about the real unhealthy tabacco smoke, and cancers they cause already for many years??? Research first before you dare to say that others have to do their job...

While I don't disagree with some of your points, I highly doubt that legalizing vaping will bring in more tourists to Thailand. Tourists don't choose a vacation destination based on whether it is legal to vape. I would bet that most tourists have no idea that it is even illegal in Thailand. Most tourists obviously don't realize that it is not legal to smoke or vape any substance in public.

On 5/6/2026 at 7:31 AM, Issan girl said:

While I don't disagree with some of your points, I highly doubt that legalizing vaping will bring in more tourists to Thailand. Tourists don't choose a vacation destination based on whether it is legal to vape. I would bet that most tourists have no idea that it is even illegal in Thailand. Most tourists obviously don't realize that it is not legal to smoke or vape any substance in public.

On 5/6/2026 at 7:31 AM, Issan girl said:

While I don't disagree with some of your points, I highly doubt that legalizing vaping will bring in more tourists to Thailand. Tourists don't choose a vacation destination based on whether it is legal to vape. I would bet that most tourists have no idea that it is even illegal in Thailand. Most tourists obviously don't realize that it is not legal to smoke or vape any substance in public.

Tourists are very well seare that vaping is forbidden,and if not they rradvthe news about the huge fines the RTP is given. Many foreignets are vaping and the will not come to Thailand as they know the fines. Thai people however can do as they want as they don't need to pay fines. Foreigners are being seen as rich so they can be scammed. In the Western world we live in the 21st century, as in Thailand people are being kept ignorant.