Thai Police Bust Illegal E-Cigarette Sales Network

In Bangkok, Thailand, police raided two locations and arrested the leader of a major e-cigarette distribution network.

The Consumer Protection Police Division (CPPD) launched the operation after receiving information about the “Iqos Thailand FanClub,” a Facebook group used by the network to sell e-cigarette devices and tobacco sticks on online marketplaces.

Authorities raided an apartment in Bangkok’s Bang Khae district and a house on Nawamin Soi 42 in the Wang Thonglang district after learning that both locations were used as storage and distribution centers for e-cigarettes, CPPD commander Maj Gen Witthaya Sriprasert said.

Officers seized more than 70,000 e-cigarette devices and tobacco sticks, with an estimated value of 10 million baht.

They also arrested the network leader, 32-year-old JENKIj Hom-aroon.

He was taken to CPPD Division 1, where he was charged with distributing e-cigarettes and tobacco sticks, which are considered illegal in Thailand.

Meanwhile, Pheu Thai MP for Phrae Dr. Thossaporn Sereerak said in parliament on Wednesday that e-cigarettes are becoming increasingly common in the market, adding that access among people under 20 is higher than ever.

“Even elementary school students have been found using e-cigarettes. I have received many complaints from parents who are worried about how easy it is to buy e-cigarettes online, and why our officials are not taking action to deal with this issue,” Dr. Thossaporn said.

Dr. Thossaporn urged parliament to designate the parliament building as a no-vape zone after seeing some ministers and MPs using e-cigarettes inside the chamber. He said they should set an example for everyone to follow.

He pointed out that nicotine is addictive and poses a danger to children’s brain development.

In contrast, Maris Karanyawat, a representative of the popular Facebook group “End Cigarette Smoke Thailand,” said e-cigarette bans in other countries have produced similar results.

Countries such as the UK and the US chose to legalize e-cigarettes, which allowed them to better control distribution and collect taxes.

He said such measures are a better way to prevent minors from accessing e-cigarettes.