Pattaya —
Officials from the Office of Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) and Banglamung police jointly raided a shop in Pattaya on Thursday under suspicion that the shop was illegally selling electronic cigarettes, e-liquids, and other related equipment.
The raid, conducted on March 21st, 2024, targeted the store named “Or Derv” within Soi Sukhumvit Pattaya 51, Nongprue sub-district, Banglamung district, Chonburi province.
Authorities arrived at the store to find several customers present. The authorities immediately ordered the suspension of sales before conducting a search and seizure operation. As a result, officers confiscated items including over 10,000 pieces of various e-cigarette brands, e-liquids, and related equipment. These items were valued at around five million baht, according to Banglamung police.
Mr. Lertsak Raktham, Deputy Director of the OCPB’s Special Operations Center, revealed that the operation stemmed from public complaints, alleging the shop was selling e-cigarettes to minors. The store owner, who was not identified by authorities, will face charges following further investigation.
E-cigarettes are currently illegal in Thailand. The sale, import, and even possession of e-cigs and related equipment is banned. This strict legislation was implemented in 2014, although currently there have been many attempts to scrap it. Police claim the ban helps protect the health of the public but opponents point to the fact regular cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana are currently legal in Thailand.
