Songkhla —
At 2:00 PM, on July 13th, 2024, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced a successful operation targeting illegal alcohol and cigarette trades in Hat Yai, Songkhla.
The operation was launched following complaints from legal businesses about unfair competition from vendors selling illicit products at lower prices, costing the state billions in lost tax revenue annually.
The special operations team discovered that the smugglers had adapted their tactics to evade authorities by using modified cars as mobile warehouses and distributing illicit products at night. The contraband was also shipped using a front of private courier services, which facilitated nationwide distribution.
The raid resulted in the arrest of five suspects (whose names were withheld by the police) and the seizure of significant contraband, including 15 vehicles, over 120 bottles of illegal alcohol, more than 4.6 million illegal cigarettes (about 232,300 packs), and over 19,000 e-cigarettes.
The total value of the seized items was 32,910,000 baht, with an estimated tax loss of 219,638,100 baht, bringing the total financial impact to 313,278,100 baht.
Anutin urged the public to avoid illegal alcohol and cigarettes, highlighting the health risks associated with counterfeit products. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating illegal activities and maintaining order in Thai society.
