Chonburi, Thailand – March 10, 2025
In a move to curb the illegal importation of vaping products, three Thai ministers joined forces today at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi Province to announce the successful seizure of over 200,000 electronic cigarettes, valued at more than 33 million baht (approximately $1 million USD).
The ministers leading the charge were Pol. Col. Thawee Sodsong, Minister of Justice; Jiraporn Sindhuprai, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office; and Julapun Amornvivat, Deputy Finance Minister. Their presence at the port highlighted the high-level coordination mandated by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who recently ordered all relevant government agencies to integrate efforts and halt the smuggling, production, and distribution of e-cigarettes within a 30-day deadline. This directive reflects growing concerns over the widespread use of vaping products, particularly among youth, despite the nationwide ban enacted in 2014 under the Consumer Protection Act and reinforced by customs regulations.
The confiscated shipment, uncovered in a container identified as MRSU3507211, included 210,300 items, comprising disposable e-cigarettes, vape pods pre-filled with e-liquid, and additional vaping accessories. Authorities discovered the illicit goods concealed among legitimate cargo, a common tactic used by smuggling networks to evade detection. The operation began with intelligence gathered by the DSI’s Tax Crime Division, which worked closely with customs officials at Laem Chabang—one of Thailand’s busiest ports—to intercept the shipment, believed to have originated from China.
Speaking at a press conference held at the port’s customs office at 3:00 PM local time, Pol. Col. Thawee emphasized the government’s resolve. “This seizure is a clear message to those involved in illegal trade: we will not tolerate activities that undermine public health and state revenue,” he said. He noted that the DSI, under the leadership of Director-General Pol. Maj. Yuttana Praedam, would continue to investigate and expand efforts to dismantle the networks behind the smuggling operation.
Jiraporn Sindhuprai, addressing the media alongside Thawee, highlighted the public health implications of the crackdown. “E-cigarettes pose a serious threat to our children and young people. We are committed to stopping their spread and building awareness to protect the next generation,” she said. Meanwhile, Julapun Amornvivat stressed the economic angle, pointing out that smuggling deprives the government of significant tax revenue while unfairly competing with legal businesses.
This latest bust follows a series of similar operations at Laem Chabang. Just months ago, on December 24, 2024, authorities seized 47,495 e-cigarettes worth over 10 million baht, also smuggled from China. Earlier, on January 3, 2025, another raid netted over 5,000 units. These recurring incidents suggest that Thailand remains a target for international smuggling rings exploiting its strategic position as a regional shipping hub.
Under Thai law, importing e-cigarettes is a violation of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison or fines up to four times the value of the goods. The seized items will be held by the Customs Department for valuation and subsequent destruction, while the DSI vows to trace the supply chain to identify and prosecute those responsible.
Further details of the investigation are expected to emerge as authorities deepen their probe into this multimillion-baht smuggling case. 
Photo credit NNT.
Photo credit NNT. 
