Thai Prime Minister adviser Gillayuth Chan-ocha teamed up with authorities to crack down on illegal vape shops, but as news leaked, businesses closed their shops early to avoid inspections. The government has received a confidential report revealing the gray vape market, worth more than $150 million a year, amid rumors of corruption and bribery among officials and police departments.
Thai PM’s advisor directs crackdown on illegal e-cigarette sales
Thai Prime Minister Jirayu Huangsaab, in cooperation with The tobacco strike team of the Department of Disease Control and Consumer Protection Office of the Ministry of Public Health, traveled around Bangkok to investigate illegal vape shops. However, as the news leaked ahead of time, businesses closed stores to avoid inspections.
Recently, the inspection team also conducted raids on several vape sales points and arrested several stores that illegally sold vapes and related equipment. The stores were found to be selling vape brands aimed at teenagers.
Investigation into rumors involving police bribery
Gillayuth said the prime minister had directed authorities to step up the crackdown on the illegal sale of vapes and their accessories, which parents have complained is ignored by police in some areas and even some shops are close to schools.
Gillayuth pointed out that a secret report received by the government on the grey vape business with documents worth more than 5.01 billion baht ($150 million) annually also included a chart of those involved in importing products and tobacco oil from abroad through various channels, noting that officials from many departments were involved. According to the report, 51 border port managers were involved because Thailand does not produce vapes, so they imported them through informal channels. According to the report, almost every province, especially Bangkok’s 50 districts, is openly selling vaping devices and even advertising them through social media.
The report compiled a list of police stations across the country accused of taking bribes, including store locations, police officers’ names, and monthly management fees of 5,000 to 10,000 baht ($150 to $300) collected from each store. “Mr. Gillayuth said.
Gillayuth added that in Khlong Sam Wa and Khan Na Ya districts, despite repeated complaints from parents about a large number of vape shops opening in these areas and attracting students to buy them, the Khan Na Ya police chief insisted that there were no shops illegally selling vapes and their accessories. Said this contradicted the reports he had received.
Gillayuth plans to submit the misconduct report of these police stations and personnel to the Prime Minister, hoping that it will be taken seriously and effective action will be taken.
