BANGKOK, THAILAND – The Thai Tobacco Trade Association has accused Meta, the operator of Facebook, of enabling a nationwide online market for smuggled cigarettes. The group said lax moderation has allowed sales to expand rapidly, even reaching underage users.
Facebook accused of hosting a black market
On Tuesday in Bangkok, the Thai Tobacco Trade Association (TTTA) identified Facebook groups and pages as the main digital distribution channels for illegal tobacco. The association’s director Thanyasarun Saengthong said the problem had become critical.
“The platform is the primary channel for illegal tobacco products.”
said Thanyasarun Saengthong, TTTA Director
According to data shared by the TTTA, sellers openly used group pages to advertise banned products. They reportedly avoided detection by substituting ordinary language with coded terms.
Dealers exploit Facebook’s advertising system
The TTTA reported that smugglers bypassed automated filters by displaying product pictures alongside coded abbreviations instead of the Thai word for cigarette. Despite the detection systems in place, these posts remained visible across numerous groups.
“They use abbreviations beside product images.”
said Thanyasarun Saengthong, TTTA Director
The association added that some of these sellers purchased paid advertisements on Meta’s platform, generating income for the company from banned activity.
Leaked financial data raises alarm
Confidential Meta documents published by Reuters suggested that as much as 10% of Meta’s global revenue in 2024—around US$16 billion—may have come from fraudulent ads and illegal goods. The TTTA described the figure as proof that enforcement remains inadequate.
“That shows an ineffective blockade.”
said Thanyasarun Saengthong, TTTA Director
The association claimed Meta showed no willingness to comply with Thai law, particularly regarding online tobacco marketing prohibitions.
Government urged to take immediate action
The TTTA submitted a formal appeal to Digital Economy and Society Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, demanding tighter scrutiny of social media platforms. It cited the Tobacco Control Act, which bans online sales entirely.
“Meta violates Thai law.”
said Thanyasarun Saengthong, TTTA Director
The group further called on Meta to deploy its artificial intelligence tools effectively to identify and remove prohibited content.
Customs statistics show sharp increase
Figures from the Thai Customs Department indicated a 39% increase in smuggling cases—from 13,143 incidents in 2024 to 18,305 in 2025. Over the same period, related penalties rose 225%, reaching 1.155 billion baht.
“Authorities are being obstructed.”
said Thanyasarun Saengthong, TTTA Director
The association argued that law enforcement could not act effectively without Meta’s full cooperation.
Association demands stronger controls
The TTTA concluded its statement by calling for comprehensive screening of all user-generated content and total removal of online cigarette marketing.
“This is a social danger.”
said Thanyasarun Saengthong, TTTA Director
It urged Thai regulators to enforce national laws strictly, warning that foreign technology firms are not exempt from compliance in local markets.
Key figures released by the TTTA and Customs Department:
– 10% of Meta’s global revenue (≈ US$16 billion) linked to illegal content in 2024
– 39% increase in smuggling cases (13,143 ➜ 18,305)
– 225% rise in penalties (to 1.155 billion baht)
The Digital Ministry in Bangkok has yet to comment publicly on whether enforcement measures against Meta will follow this complaint.