Thailand Intensifies Fight Against Illegal Vaping Nationwide
Thailand is escalating its fight against the burgeoning illegal e-cigarette market, implementing a multi-pronged strategy combining stricter law enforcement, preventative measures, and legal reforms. The government is taking a decisive stance against vaping, aiming to curb the accessibility of these products and disrupt the supply chain fueling this illicit trade.
On Friday, PM’s Office Minister Jiraporn Sindhuprai spearheaded a meeting with representatives from 20 government agencies, focusing on accelerating progress in the anti-vaping campaign initiated the previous week. The meeting underscored the government’s commitment to tackling this issue head-on. This intensified effort follows a recent surge in vape-related seizures and arrests, highlighting the pervasive nature of the problem.
Ms. Sindhuprai outlined the government’s three-pronged approach: First, significantly bolstering law enforcement to confiscate illegal e-cigarettes and prosecute those involved in their distribution. Second, implementing proactive measures to prevent the further proliferation of vaping, particularly among young people. Finally, reviewing and potentially reforming existing laws to strengthen the legal framework supporting these efforts. A proposal for a dedicated committee to oversee and coordinate these efforts has already been submitted, signaling the seriousness of the government’s intent.
The Digital Economy and Society Ministry is playing a critical role in this digital age of commerce, blocking access to over 9,000 websites peddling e-cigarettes, e-liquids, and related paraphernalia. This digital dragnet extends to working with online entrepreneurs to suppress search terms related to vaping products and swiftly shut down any newly emerging websites attempting to sell them. This proactive approach aims to cut off access to these products at the source, making them harder to find and purchase online.
Recognizing the crucial role of logistics in the distribution network, the government is also tightening regulations on shipping companies. These companies are now required to prominently display notices prohibiting the shipment of e-cigarettes and accessories. Furthermore, security measures have been enhanced, mandating the scanning of suspicious packages and the retention of sender information for at least 30 days. This provides a valuable trail for investigators to track the origins and destinations of these illicit shipments.
To ensure accountability and transparency, Ms. Sindhuprai has directed several key agencies, including the Interior Ministry, the Royal Thai Police (RTP), the Customs Department, and the Office of the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB), to submit weekly reports on their enforcement activities and publicly communicate the results. This not only keeps the public informed but also puts pressure on the relevant agencies to demonstrate tangible progress.
The RTP reported a significant number of vape-related cases between February 26 and March 4, with 666 cases resulting in 690 arrests and the seizure of 454,958 items valued at over 41 million baht. In a recent raid in Nonthaburi, Metropolitan Police Bureau officers uncovered a two-story house functioning as an e-cigarette storage facility, confiscating over 30,000 items worth over 3 million baht. Two suspects were apprehended and charged under customs, business registration, and food and drug laws. This bust, linked to a previous raid in Bang Khae district where officers seized 343,600 units worth 30 million baht, highlights the scale of the illegal vaping operation in the country. The ongoing investigation aims to identify and apprehend the Thai national employing the two suspects, further dismantling the network.
The Thai government’s comprehensive approach signifies a determined effort to combat the illicit e-cigarette trade, protecting public health and upholding the rule of law. The combination of enhanced enforcement, preventative strategies, and legislative reforms demonstrates a long-term commitment to tackling this growing problem. The coming weeks and months will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness of these measures and their impact on the availability and consumption of illegal vaping products in Thailand.
