Bangkok: The national police chief revealed that the prime minister called for a discussion on measures to stop e-cigarettes.
According to Thai News Agency, the Prime Minister has convened a meeting involving relevant agencies to develop strategies aimed at preventing and suppressing e-cigarettes, including halting their importation and deploying investigation teams around educational institutions. The Prime Minister emphasized the enforcement of strict laws and penalties, warning that any police officers or civil servants found involved will face both disciplinary and criminal consequences.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat Panphet, the national police chief, highlighted the importance placed by the Prime Minister on combating e-cigarettes, which has been a cabinet resolution since April 2024. The police have been actively investigating and suppressing these activities. A focus is placed on both investigation and arrest, as well as importation, with plans for collaboration between police and customs to reduce e-cigarette numbers by preventing importation. Emphasis is also placed on preventing hidden and sheltered sales.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat noted that public relations efforts are underway to warn users, particularly in educational institutions, where the Prime Minister has stressed the urgency of the issue. Pol. Gen. Prachuap Wongsuk, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, is overseeing these efforts. In 2024, nearly 2,000 arrests were made, with continuous arrests reported in 2025. The public is reminded that existing laws impose penalties for selling, importing, or concealing e-cigarettes.
On the question of a special task force near educational institutions due to the spread of e-cigarettes to elementary schools, Pol. Gen. Kittirat confirmed that Pol. Gen. Prachuap, along with other assistant national police chiefs, are managing the situation. Provincial and Metropolitan Police Bureau investigation teams are tasked with strict enforcement around schools, with orders to arrest any illegal activities.
The national police chief reiterated the strict stance on police or civil servant involvement, stating that disciplinary and criminal actions will be enforced decisively. A directive has been in place since 2024, and he clarified that laws on the import, possession, distribution, and use of e-cigarettes are already established.
Regarding the order to report progress within 15 days, Pol. Gen. Kittirat stated that suppression results would be evaluated within a month, with Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, overseeing the process. A meeting of all relevant agencies is scheduled to discuss proactive suppression measures.
Pol. Gen. Kittirat also mentioned the Prime Minister's inquiry about the call center issue, with Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabutr briefing the Prime Minister on the impact on public livelihood and the economy. The e-cigarette issue is highlighted as a health concern that may also relate to climate considerations.