On August 30, the Bang Lamung Police Station in Pattaya, Thailand, raided an illegal vape shop disguised as a convenience store, seizing over 600 vape products. The shop had been raided multiple times for illegal vape sales but continued to operate despite repeated crackdowns. During this operation, police detained the shop operator and two employees and seized approximately $620 in cash. Police stated they will continue cracking down on illegal vape sales to ensure public safety.
Key Highlights:
- Raid Operation: On August 30, Pattaya police raided an illegal vape shop disguised as a convenience store.
- Seized Items: Police confiscated over 600 vape products, including devices, pods, e-liquid cartridges, and disposable vapes.
- Store Background: The shop had been raided multiple times for illegal vape sales but continued operations, leading to its discovery again.
- Police Action: Authorities detained the shop owner and two employees while seizing approximately $620 in cash.
- Follow-up Measures: Police pledged to continue cracking down on illegal vape sales to ensure public safety.
Police in Pattaya, Thailand, raid illegal vape shops
September 1, 2025 – According to a Thaiger report on August 31, Pattaya police raided an illegal vape shop disguised as a convenience store on August 30.
The raid followed a tip from residents. Inside, police discovered over 600 vape products—including devices, flavored pods, e-liquid cartridges, and disposable vapes—neatly displayed in glass cabinets and on shelves within an air-conditioned backroom.
The shop operator and two employees were detained. Police also seized 20,000 baht (approximately $620) in cash, believed to be proceeds from vape sales. During the operation, an attempt was made to bribe officers to drop the case, but the police refused and warned that the bribery attempt could lead to additional charges.
The shop owner admitted to police that the store had been secretly selling vapes for over four months. Originally a fruit shop, it later transformed into a convenience store format to divert suspicion, but increased customer activity drew attention. However, police saw through this disguise.
The shop had previously been raided multiple times for illegal vape sales. After past raids, it relocated and reopened under the guise of a convenience store, only to be discovered again.
The shop operator, two employees, and the seized vape products were taken to Banglamung Police Station for further investigation and legal action. Police pledged to continue cracking down on illegal vape sales to ensure public safety and compliance with government policies.
