Chonburi, Thailand – The owner of a plot of land in Banglamung district has come forward to clarify that he is not the owner of a warehouse raided by authorities for alleged illegal e-cigarette production, claiming the police announcement has caused severe reputational damage to him and his family. He stated that he merely legally leased the land to a Laos national for what he thought was a legal cannabis farm and had no idea about the illegal vaping production factory.
The raid occurred on June 8th, 2026, as we covered here, when officers from Banglamung Police Station, local administrative officials, and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) Region 2 stormed a site in Soi Nong Pla 12. Authorities seized nearly 100,000 completed and semi-completed e-cigarettes (vapes) along with production equipment and related items, with a total estimated value exceeding 100 million baht.
On June 10th, Mr. Pichet Jirakawinwong, 48, the landowner, expressed deep distress over the fallout to local reporters. He said his elderly mother, who suffers from chronic health conditions, became unwell after learning of the news.
“The news has heavily impacted me and my family,” Mr. Pichet said. “I am only the landowner who rents out the plot. But the reports named me as the warehouse owner, including my full name, and society has already condemned me.”
Mr. Pichet described himself as a land developer who advertises empty plots for rent to support local development. In 2022, when cannabis cultivation was legalized in Thailand, the local village head introduced Mr. Chian Sisamlane, a 57-year-old Lao national, as a prospective tenant.
Mr. Sisamlane reportedly presented valid company permits and signed a three-year lease to grow cannabis. He later constructed the warehouse entirely on his own, with no involvement from the landlord. The lease was legally renewed in November 2025. Mr. Pichet said he visited the site only once early on and observed actual cannabis plants. Later requests to inspect the property were declined by the tenant, who cited concerns that outsiders might contaminate the plants.
“I respected his request and stayed away,” Mr. Pichet explained. “I only learned about the illegal activity when the police conducted the raid.”
He stated that he provided all tenant documentation to investigators when requested and insists he only leased the vacant land. “Mr. Chian Sisamlane handled all construction himself. The warehouse has nothing to do with me,” he stated.
Mr. Pichet expressed particular frustration over a police press conference that featured a whiteboard displaying his photograph and name, identifying him as the warehouse owner. This, he said, has led to widespread public condemnation.
On the afternoon of June 10th, Mr. Pichet planned to visit Banglamung Police Station with supporting documents to provide further clarification to authorities.
