Bangkok: Minister Jiraporn Sindhuphrai led a press conference detailing the significant crackdown on e-cigarettes, revealing that the total seizures have surged to 1.2 million units, valued at 231 million baht. This operation was conducted over the past two weeks and the results will be reported to the Prime Minister on March 27. The Customs Department confirmed that these seizures were carried out without any suspension of legal proceedings and were immediately referred to the Anti-Money Laundering Office for further investigation and asset seizure.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jiraporn was joined at the press conference by several key figures, including Pol. Lt. Gen. Akarat Pimolsri, Assistant Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, and Mr. Woranat Nooror, Advisor on Administration of the Ministry of Interior, among others. These officials gathered to discuss the ongoing efforts to combat the proliferation of e-cigarettes.
Ms. Jiraporn outlined the Prime Minister's directive to suppress e-cigarettes, which has been divided into three urgent phases. The focus is primarily on border areas under the Customs Department's jurisdiction, ensuring strict enforcement of the law. Cases are forwarded to the Central Investigation Bureau and the Anti-Money Laundering Office for financial investigation and asset seizure.
Efforts to clamp down on physical and online shops selling e-cigarettes have been intensified, with agencies such as the Royal Thai Police and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board collaborating on enforcement. Cases with evidence valued over 500,000 baht are escalated to the AMLO, while smaller cases are handled by the police. The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has successfully blocked more than 9,500 web pages and sites related to e-cigarettes.
Public awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate on the dangers of e-cigarettes, with a particular focus on schools, reflecting the Prime Minister's concern for youth access to these products. Long-term strategies are being considered, including a review of existing laws.
Since the crackdown began on February 25, there have been 1,741 arrests and 1,789 suspects apprehended, with 1,285,024 pieces of evidence seized, totaling 231,881,074 baht in value. The operation has intensified following the Prime Minister's directive, with information being shared with the AMLO to trace financial links and expand arrests.
A public platform has been developed for reporting suspected e-cigarette activities, in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Economy. Ms. Jiraporn is set to report to the Prime Minister within 30 days, detailing arrest statistics and outlining short and long-term solutions.
Pol. Lt. Gen. Akaradech highlighted the arrest of e-cigarette importers and distributors, noting significant arrests since 2024. The recent crackdown from February 26 to March 18 resulted in over 1,700 arrests and the seizure of over 1 million pieces of evidence, valued at over 248 million baht.
He emphasized the health risks and illegal status of e-cigarettes, citing penalties for possession, distribution, and importation. The Director-General of the Customs Department affirmed their frontline role in controlling imported goods and emphasized the importance of physical inspections to prevent illegal imports.
Customs will take strong legal action against all cases, without settlement agreements, and will proactively inspect warehouses and shipping companies. The Director-General confirmed collaborations with customs authorities in countries of origin to exchange information and target illegal shipments.