On February 21, 2025, a major enforcement operation in Chanthaburi Province culminated with the destruction of 245,058 illicit items, including e-cigarettes, accessories, and foreign beer, in an effort to safeguard public health and government revenue. The operation, conducted in the public utility area of Patthawi Subdistrict in Makham District, was aimed at curbing the surge in smuggling activities that have negatively impacted both the economy and society.
Customs officials confirmed that 67 separate cases were finalized during the operation, resulting in the confiscation and subsequent destruction of a wide range of prohibited goods. The items, deemed state property under the Customs Act, include various models of e-cigarettes, counterfeit trademark cigarettes, and foreign alcoholic beverages. Authorities estimate that the damages to the government exceed 19.58 million baht.
Officials have highlighted that sophisticated smuggling networks are utilizing modified vehicles, disguised as routine transport trucks, to infiltrate these banned products into the region. The presence of appealing e-cigarette designs, notably those resembling cute figures, has raised concerns among educators and parents over the potential risks to young people. Community leaders have been urged to remain vigilant as authorities intensify their crackdown on illegal imports.
In accordance with legal provisions, the operation reinforces long-standing prohibitions established by the Ministry of Commerce. Since the announcement on December 12, 2014, which banned the import of e-cigarettes and related devices, and the subsequent directive on trademark violations issued on March 27, 2022, strict penalties have been enforced. Offenders face significant fines and imprisonment under the Customs Act for both smuggling and the illicit sale of these goods.
The operation was executed under the leadership of top officials, including Chanthaburi Governor Montisit Paisanthanawat, Chief Customs Officer Yotphon Wichankul, and Customs Office Region 1 Director Nipawan Yaibuatet. Lieutenant Commander Noppharot Siripariyapong, commander of the Chanthaburi Naval Task Force, along with other agency representatives, participated in this coordinated effort to combat smuggling and secure the community against illegal trade.
