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e-cigarettes in Thailand remain a topic of debate and concern. Recently, a vendor was arrested in Samut Prakan province for illegally selling vaping-related products. This arrest is part of a series of initiatives by the authorities to combat the unregulated sale of these devices, particularly aimed at protecting young people and limiting risks to public health. On 27 January 2025, the fight against the illegal trade in e-cigarettestook a significant turn with the arrest of a 22-year-old individual in Samut Prakan, Thailand. This event was the result of an operation carried out by the Metropolitan Police Bureau, following reports indicating that a store named Trendy Vape, located near a school, was engaged in the illegal sale of these products. A thorough inspection revealed that the manager concealed the sales activities, highlighting the public health issues related to the consumption of vaping products.
Regulatory context of e-cigarettes in Thailand In Thailand, the sale and possession of e-cigarettes
have been banned since 2014. The authorities introduced this legislation to protect public health from the risks associated with vaping. Health professionals and lawmakers are concerned about the potential harm of these products on young people, particularly because of their aggressive marketing aimed at adolescents. Despite the legislation in place, the parallel market for electronic cigarettes continues to flourish, posing a significant challenge for the authorities.
The arrest in Samut Prakan: details of the operation The investigation that led to the arrest was initiated following alerts regarding the Trendy Vape store, located at Pracha Uthit 90, near the Sarasas Witaed Suksa School. The store hid its activity by covering its sign with black fabric, thus attempting to conceal its illicit practices. On January 26, 2025, an undercover police officer made a purchase in the store, acquiring an ESKOBAR brand disposable electronic cigarette. This transaction, carried out by a QR code, then made it possible to trace suspicious banking activities. Results of the operation and legal implications
During the arrest, police seized a total of 615 electronic cigarettes and refill liquids. The seller admitted to marketing these products, including to young people, which reinforced the authorities’ concerns about public health. The latter faces several serious charges, such as violating regulations on the sale of prohibited products, and involvement in activities of concealing, transporting and selling prohibited goods.
Growing crackdown on illegal e-cigarette trade
The operation in Samut Prakan is part of a broader campaign led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, launched on February 26, 2025, which aims to strengthen the fight against the importation and illegal sale of
electronic cigarettes
. Thai authorities are focusing on areas close to schools to protect young people from the dangers of vaping. Similar efforts are being seen elsewhere in the country, such as a recent operation in Bangkok where more than 10,000 e-cigarettes were seized, illustrating a growing determination to crack down on the phenomenon.
For more information on the challenges of e-cigarette legislation in Thailand, you can consult additional resources: What legislation for electronic cigarettes in Thailand?And
The law on e-cigarettes called into question . Government authorities continue to monitor and evaluate the impacts of this crackdown on consumer behavior and the effectiveness of existing regulations. To follow the latest news regarding the fight against electronic cigarettes in Thailand, also visit these links:Arrest of an electronic cigarette seller
And
What you need to know about electronic cigarettes in Thailand . The developments in this case highlight the need for constant vigilance regarding consumer products that may compromise public health and well-being, particularly of young people, in the Thai societal context. Place :Samut Prakan
Date of operation:
- January 27, 2025 Product type:
- Electronic cigarettes and refill liquids Store involved:
- Trendy Vape Age of suspect:
- 22 years old Number of products seized:
- 615 electronic cigarettes Purchase method:
- Transaction by QR code Sales area:
- Near Sarasas Witaed Suksa School Charges retained:
- Sale of prohibited products Context :
- Crackdown on the sale of electronic cigarettes FAQ on apprehending an e-cigarette seller in Samut Prakan
- Q: What led to the arrest of the e-cigarette seller? The arrest was made following reports about a store, Trendy Vape, which was suspected of illegally selling e-cigarettes and refill liquids.
Q: Where is the Trendy Vape store located?
The store is located at Pracha Uthit 90, Phra Samut Chedi in the province of
Samut Prakan
, near the school
Sarasas Witaed Suksa .Q: How did the authorities carry out the investigation? An undercover police officer purchased a disposable e-cigarette from the store, which allowed investigators to track the transactions via a QR code.Q: What were the seizures during the arrest?
During the arrest, the police seized
615 electronic cigarettes
and refill liquids.
Q: What charges do the arrested suspect face? The suspect faces several charges, including violating Consumer Protection Council orders regarding the sale of prohibited products. Q: What is the current legislation on electronic cigarettes in Thailand?
In Thailand, the importation, sale and possession of electronic cigarettes have been banned since 2014, due to risks to public health.
Q: What is the context of this repression operation?
This arrest is part of a month-long crackdown against the importation and illegal sale of electronic cigarettes, recently launched by the government.