Government Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Vapes
The Thai government is stepping up efforts to combat the illegal sale of e-cigarettes, with plans to establish a special committee dedicated to addressing the issue. Authorities have already blocked over 9,000 websites selling vapes as part of their ongoing crackdown.
PM’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai chaired a meeting on Friday with representatives from 20 government agencies to discuss strategies for curbing the spread of e-cigarettes. This follows a similar meeting last week focused on tightening enforcement measures.
According to Ms. Jiraporn, the government’s approach includes three key strategies: strict law enforcement against illegal e-cigarettes, preventive measures to limit their spread, and legal reforms to strengthen regulations. A proposal for a special oversight committee has been submitted for approval.
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry has been actively shutting down websites that promote e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and related accessories. Collaborating with entrepreneurs, authorities are working to block search terms linked to vape sales and swiftly remove offending sites.
Additionally, logistics companies are now required to enforce stricter regulations, including clear notices prohibiting the shipment of e-cigarettes, mandatory package scanning, and retention of sender information for at least 30 days.
Ms. Jiraporn has instructed key agencies—including the Interior Ministry, the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Customs Department, and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB)—to submit weekly reports on their enforcement efforts and keep the public informed.
Major Vape Seizures and Arrests
Recent crackdowns have led to significant seizures and arrests. According to RTP data, from Feb 26 to March 4, authorities handled 666 vape-related cases, arresting 690 suspects and confiscating 454,958 items worth over 41 million baht.
In a separate operation, Metropolitan Police Bureau officers raided a two-story house in Nonthaburi that was being used as an e-cigarette storage facility. Over 30,000 e-cigarettes and e-liquids worth more than 3 million baht were seized. Two male suspects admitted to running the facility for six months, storing products for retailers in Bangkok. Their Thai employer has been identified, and further investigations are underway.
The Nonthaburi raid was linked to an earlier operation on March 1 in Bang Khae district, where officers seized 343,600 units of e-cigarettes and e-liquids valued at 30 million baht.
With authorities ramping up enforcement, the government aims to significantly curb the illegal vape trade and protect public health.
