National—
On May 24th, 2024, Mr. Anutin Charnvirakul, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, alongside relevant agencies, held a press conference detailing a raid on an illegal e-cigarette warehouse in Krathum Baen, Samut Sakhon. The operation uncovered contraband worth over 100 million baht.
Thai national media reported that police had previously targeted six e-cigarette stores illegally selling their products near schools and universities in Salaya, Nakhon Pathom. This initial crackdown led to further investigations and the subsequent raid on the large warehouse, which housed a vast inventory of e-cigarettes and related equipment.
Anutin highlighted that the Krathum Baen police, with support from other agencies, launched this significant operation, marking the largest seizure of illegal products under his oversight.
Anutin stressed that many parents and guardians had expressed concerns about the proliferation of e-cigarettes near educational institutions. The modern e-cigarettes come in various enticing models, flavors, and features, posing a growing issue.
As the Minister of the Interior, Anutin ordered relevant agencies to address these problems, emphasizing the need for comprehensive efforts to curb the sale of e-cigarettes near schools. He underscored the importance of collaboration across all sectors to combat illicit substances, local influential figures involved in crime, illegal firearms, and other illegal activities, including the distribution of e-cigarettes.
