Bangkok: "Jiraporn" aims to summarize measures to solve e-cigarettes, proposing the establishment of a committee to oversee the issue in the long term. The proposal is set to be presented to "Prime Minister Paethongtarn" by March 15. Measures discussed include involving online platforms and transport services to block sales and the development of a platform for reporting violations, expected to complete within two weeks.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office and supervisor of the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), chaired a meeting to address the e-cigarette problem following a previous meeting held a week earlier. This meeting was in line with the Prime Minister's directive to tackle the issue urgently through suppression, public relations, and legal amendments. Statistics from the Royal Thai Police indicate that between February 1-26, 2025, there were 666 arrests, with over 400,000 items seized, amounting to more than 41 million baht. Ms. Jiraporn instructed that data from law enforcement and suppression agencies, including the Customs Department, Ministry of Interior, OCPB, and Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), must be compiled and reported to the Royal Thai Police, who will update the Prime Minister weekly. Additionally, a press conference will be held to inform the public.
Ms. Jiraporn stressed the importance of imposing significant expenses on smugglers to deter repeat offenses and emphasized stricter law enforcement. Cases with evidence valued over 500,000 baht will be forwarded to the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) for immediate action. For cases with evidence valued below 500,000 baht, assets will be investigated and subsequently sent to the AMLO for further action.