PATTAYA, THAILAND – Thai police dismantled a major illegal e-cigarette and shisha network in Pattaya and detained two alleged Chinese ringleaders after a large-scale raid.
Villa raid followed months of surveillance
After months of surveillance, investigators from Chonburi and police units from Region 2 stormed a villa in the Nattawat Home Village. Officers seized what they described as a massive haul of contraband.
“More than 40 categories of devices and liquids worth over 30 million baht were seized,”
said police officials.
Alleged Chinese suppliers to nightclub scene held
The arrested suspects were identified as Chinese nationals Yao Qinglin (41) and Zhao Let (37). They were believed to have been the main suppliers for the nightclub scene across the province.
Protection racket behind illegal shisha trade
Behind the operation, investigators said, a sophisticated criminal system was at work. Thai nightclub operators and so‑called “grey Thai” intermediaries reportedly played a key role. According to police, bars and clubs in Pattaya and surrounding areas paid high monthly protection money to be allowed to offer shisha, with the illegal trade generating at least 10 million baht (about 250,000 euros) per month.
Financial lifeline cut on 13 November
The 13 November raid severed an important financial lifeline of the network, according to the investigation. Officers were now preparing action against the Thai money collectors linked to the scheme.
From street dealers to alleged masterminds
The probe had been launched after police faced sharp public criticism. Until then, almost daily arrests had targeted only small-scale dealers, not the alleged masterminds.
“Undercover units and informants were deployed to trace the supply chain back to the Chinese main suspects,”
said investigators.
Inquiry to widen to every remaining link
Authorities stated that the operation was far from over. A senior officer ordered an expansion of the inquiry to identify
“every remaining link”
of the network.
Authorities vow to dismantle entire network
Officials said their goal was clear: the complete dismantling of the network, including both foreign and Thai members.
“Evidence is now being collected to target the domestic accomplices who allowed the illegal industry to flourish for years,”
said a high-ranking officer.
Turning point for Pattaya’s nightclub scene
For Pattaya’s vibrant nightclub scene, investigators said the raid marked a turning point. The lucrative but illegal shisha trade now faced being shut down.