Post by : Shakul
Thailand is ramping up its efforts to combat the trafficking of illegal cigarettes, e-cigarettes, laughing gas, and ethomidate as part of intensified enforcement initiatives targeting black-market operations. Over 409 million baht worth of contraband was seized from October 2025 to May 2026 through coordinated actions between customs and police.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy government spokesperson Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan noted that these operations follow a strong directive for tougher action against smuggling and illegal trade. A collaborative effort has emerged across agencies including the Customs Department, Ministry of Finance, and the Central Investigation Bureau of the Royal Thai Police.
During these operations, authorities confiscated over 49 million illegal cigarettes valued at around 225 million baht, in addition to more than 548,000 e-cigarettes and vaping supplies worth 71 million baht, and over 140,000 nitrous oxide canisters worth approximately 95 million baht.
Investigations revealed that criminals have adapted their strategies to evade heightened scrutiny. E-cigarette components like batteries and cartridges are often declared as common electronics and concealed among legitimate consumer goods.
Significant inspections on shipments from China resulted in the seizure of over 52,000 complete e-cigarette kits and 100 gallons of e-liquid estimated at over six million baht. Additional findings in postal deliveries under Customs Region 4 yielded over 52,000 illegal vaping items and accessories.
At Suvarnabhumi Airport, customs officials apprehended Thai travelers from Tokyo with e-cigarettes and over 165,000 vape cartridges valued at more than 900,000 baht.
Officials have also expressed alarming concerns regarding the rising smuggling of ethomidate, a hazardous substance often mixed into vape fluid and illicitly sold under names like “space oil” and “zombie cigarettes.” More than 28 kilograms of this substance, imported from India, has been confiscated, prompting arrests linked to a Thai trafficking network involved.
The government has issued a warning regarding the health risks associated with e-cigarettes, laughing gas, and illegal chemicals, which can severely affect the respiratory system, heart, and brain. They reiterated that the importation, possession, or sale of e-cigarettes is prohibited in Thailand, and violators may face stringent legal consequences.
Authorities encourage the public to refrain from supporting illegal vaping and cigarette products and to report questionable activities to law enforcement. The government pledges to sustain its anti-smuggling operations to dismantle illegal trade networks and limit the spread of dangerous substances in society.
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