Thailand Takes Tough Stance Against E-Cigarettes: Heavy Fines and Crackdowns

The Customs Department of Thailand has levied significant fines on importers of e-cigarettes, aiming to deter the rising sales among the public, particularly among the youth.

According to Panthong Loykulnan, the department's spokesperson, importers of e-cigarettes, barakus, shishas, and e-barakus will now face fines equal to double the product's value, along with customs tax and VAT. Confiscated items will be treated similarly to goods with import restrictions, such as liquor, cigarettes, and copyright-infringing goods.

This stern measure comes in response to the rapid increase in e-cigarette usage among teenagers and students, as highlighted by Panthong.

Recent incidents involving e-cigarettes have been reported in Sisaket and Rayong. In Sisaket, authorities raided a city municipality shop called Monkey Tattoo, seizing 4,300 pieces of e-cigarette paraphernalia and 8,595 baht (US$234) in cash. The shop's employees, Jakkririt (27) and Arthikom (35), were arrested for selling e-cigarettes and possessing unlicensed cigarettes. They now face fines totaling approximately 2 million baht (US$54,000).

In Rayong, two suspects, Watcharin Sicharoenpramong (31) and Natchayanon Wongnoen (22), were apprehended for selling e-cigarettes and e-barakus in the Mueang district. Alongside the arrests, authorities seized e-cigarette equipment and a list of orders.

In response to these events, the Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) has called for collective action to protect Thai youth from the harmful effects of e-cigarettes.

Police Major General Wittaya Sriprasert, CPPD chief, emphasized the importance of educators, school personnel, parents, and relatives in educating youngsters about the risks associated with e-cigarette use.