A week-long enforcement operation by the Royal Thai Police (RTP) has resulted in the arrest of 690 suspected sellers of e-cigarette and e-liquids across the country, the RTP announced. The crackdown, conducted from February 26 to March 4, involved 666 cases and led to the seizure of 454,958 e-cigarette vaporizers, cartridges, e-liquids, and related items, with an estimated market value of 41.911 million baht ($1.24 million).
The RTP noted that the intensified efforts follow reports of serious health incidents among primary school students allegedly linked to prolonged e-cigarette use. Authorities justified the operation as part of a broader initiative to curb the illicit trade of vaping products and ensure compliance with national regulations.
The agency outlined stringent penalties for those involved in the illegal sale, import, or storage of e-cigarette products:
- Sellers face up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to 500,000 baht.
- Importers of unapproved e-cigarette devices or chemical liquids can receive a maximum prison term of 10 years, with fines reaching five times the value of the seized items.
- Holders or storekeepers of these products risk up to 5 years in prison and fines equal to five times the value of the seized goods.
While the crackdown targets illicit operations, representatives from the nicotine industry emphasize that regulated sales of vaping products provide adult consumers with safer alternatives to traditional tobacco. Industry experts argue that a well-regulated market not only helps curb the use of harmful combustible cigarettes but also supports legitimate businesses and fosters public health through harm reduction strategies.
The RTP’s operation underscores the ongoing tension between enforcement efforts and the interests of the legal nicotine market in Thailand.
