A 41-year-old Israeli man has been arrested at a Chiang Mai condominium after Excise Department officers and police found 200 packs of allegedly untaxed foreign cigarettes, officials said. The man, identified only as Mr A, was arrested at about 14:30 on Wednesday, 10 September 2026, at a condominium in Nong Hoi subdistrict, Muang district. Parcel delivery led to arrest Officers from the Excise Department's Regional Office 5 and Mae Ping Police Station seized 20 cartons containing the 200 packs of cigarettes. According to officials, the operation began after a tip-off that a foreign national had ordered untaxed cigarettes for delivery by a private courier service. Condominium staff were asked to alert the intended recipient when the parcel arrived. Officers then moved in and made the arrest, officials said. Mr A allegedly admitted ordering the cigarettes. He told officers that the products were intended for his own use. What this means for foreigners The case is a reminder for foreign residents and visitors that tobacco bought or brought into Thailand can be subject to excise and customs rules, including when it is ordered for delivery rather than bought in person. Officials described the cigarettes as foreign and untaxed. No further details on the charges or the next legal steps for Mr A were included in the police statement. Enforcement involved excise officers and police Thailand's Excise Department is responsible for overseeing excise-duty goods, while police may assist in investigations and arrests. In this case, the operation involved officers from the department's Regional Office 5, which covers Chiang Mai, together with Mae Ping Police Station. Picture courtesy of Khaosod Join the discussion? 11 September 2026
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