BANGKOK, THAILAND – Thai customs officials seized more than 46,000 illegal e-cigarettes in a major operation at Bangkok’s port, targeting what authorities called a silent threat to young people.
Mass seizure in abandoned freight containers
Officials from the Customs Department discovered over 46,260 disposable e-cigarettes in seven abandoned freight containers at Bangkok port. The haul, found on 4 December, was valued at more than ten million baht, equivalent to around 250,000 euros. The products came in various flavors, had been smuggled in from abroad and were packaged for illegal distribution within Thailand.
Operation formally unveiled by customs
The seizure was officially announced on 11 December by the customs office at the port. Authorities said the operation formed part of a wider crackdown on the illicit vape trade aimed at keeping such products off the domestic market.
“This is part of a broader initiative to protect young people from a silent threat.”
said the authorities, speaking through the customs announcement.
Government highlights public health risks
Minister Santi Piyatat, speaking on behalf of the Office of the Prime Minister, described the devices as a serious problem for public health, particularly among teenagers. The government was working to block illegal products at their source and dismantle smuggling networks at every level, with the stated goal of protecting public health and creating a safer society. The Department of Special Investigation (DSI) and the Customs Department were involved in the operation and were now seeking to identify those behind the smuggling scheme.
Justice Ministry promises tough penalties
Justice Minister Police Lieutenant General Rutthaphon Naowarat vowed that authorities would use all legal means to identify and prosecute those responsible.
“This applies equally to sellers, users and the masterminds behind the network.”
said Rutthaphon. He added that the success of the raid demonstrated the value of cross-border cooperation between government agencies.
Illicit vapes held as probe continues
The confiscated e-cigarettes remained in official custody while investigations continued. Consumer advocates again warned that e-cigarettes posed a significant health risk for young people in Thailand. According to officials, the latest operation was part of a long-term strategy to stop illegal products before they reached the market.
Strict ban clashes with thriving black market
In Thailand, the import, sale and possession of e-cigarettes and nicotine-containing e-liquids were strictly prohibited. Violations could result in heavy fines and even prison sentences. Despite this, the black market and smuggling continued to flourish, pushing authorities to tighten controls both at the borders and within the country.
Bangkok also targets dangerous air pollution
Alongside the fight against illegal e-cigarettes, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) prepared another health initiative. To reduce hazardous PM2.5 fine dust levels in the capital, the administration planned to expand its home office programme to 300,000 people next year. Officials said these combined efforts showed Thailand’s determination to protect citizens’ health from both imported and homegrown threats.