From February 26 to March 10. Thailand seized 955 vape cases, arrested 991 people, and seized more than 520,000 items worth $1.56 million. While possession of vapes is illegal under the Customs Act. The government said enforcement policies focus more on catching importers and sellers to avoid widespread impact on a large number of users.
Key points:
1. Thai police seized 955 vape cases from February 26 to March 10, arresting 991 people and seizing 524,546 items with a total value of 52.61 million baht ($1.56 million), focusing on importers and sellers.
2. Thailand bans the import of vapes, with a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison; Selling vapes carries a maximum sentence of three years in prison and a 600,000 baht ($18,000) fine; Users receive lighter penalties.
3. In 2025, the crackdown is planned to increase to 20 cases while working with the health and education departments to educate young people about the dangers of vapes.
Thailand vape crackdown: 955 cases seized
According to Matichon on March 12. The Government Affairs Committee meeting under the jurisdiction of the Thai Parliament was held on the same day (12), and various departments discussed implementing the Thai Prime Minister’s vape crackdown policy.
Jirawat Naojampa, deputy commander of the Police Strategic Bureau, said that from February 26 to March 10, the National Police General Directorate had seized 955 vape cases, arrested 991 suspects, and seized 524,546 items worth 52,615,695 baht ($1.56 million). Deputy Investigating Officer Prinya Phala pointed out. While possession of vapes is an offense under the Customs Act, enforcement policies focus more on catching importers and sellers to avoid widespread impact on a large number of users.
Focus on importers and distributors
At the same time, the meeting discussed legal restrictions on the import and sale of vapes. According to the announcement of the Ministry of Commerce in 2014. The import of electronic cigarettes is illegal in Thailand and one can be sentenced to 10 years in prison. Selling is punishable under the Consumer Protection Act by up to three years in prison and a fine of not more than 600,000 baht ($18,000), depending on the circumstances; Users are only subject to lighter penalties under the Customs Law.
Jilava also stressed that the crackdown will continue to be carried out under the six policy directions of the government, including crackdown, prevention, information collection, public reporting, publicity of work results, and reporting of evaluation results.
The deputy prime minister and home minister. Anutin Charnvirakul, has instructed provinces to step up the crackdown and warned of punitive measures if officials fail to act, said Sakchai Rojanaratan, the head of the Home Ministry’s district enforcement division. Since 2024, a total of 286 cases have been investigated at the local level, with 34 cases initiated by the Ministry of the Interior focusing on large cases. In 2025, the crackdown is expected to increase to 20 cases. In addition, the Ministry of the Interior plans to strengthen cooperation with the health and education departments to educate young people about the dangers of vapes.
