Investigation into illegal e-cigarette sales in Bangkok by authorities

According to The Standard on February 24th, Thai Prime Minister's advisor Jirayu Huangsaab, in collaboration with the Disease Control Department of the Ministry of Public Health and the Consumer Protection Office, led a tobacco control team to investigate illegal e-cigarette shops in various locations in Bangkok. However, due to the leak of information in advance, many business owners closed their shops and evaded inspection.

Recently, an inspection team conducted surprise inspections at several e-cigarette sales points and arrested multiple shops illegally selling e-cigarettes and related devices. These shops were found to be selling e-cigarette products targeted towards teenagers.

Jirayut has stated that the Prime Minister has directed relevant departments to enhance efforts to combat the illegal sale of e-cigarettes and their accessories. However, parents have raised complaints that some police in certain areas are turning a blind eye to this issue, with some shops even operating near schools.

Girayut pointed out that the government received a confidential report about a gray e-cigarette business worth over 5 billion Thai baht (150 million USD) annually. The report included charts of individuals involved in importing equipment and e-liquid from abroad through various channels, indicating the participation of officials from multiple departments. Allegedly, 51 border checkpoint personnel were involved in this scheme, as Thailand does not produce e-cigarettes and they are all imported through informal channels.

A report indicates that nearly every province, especially the 50 districts in Bangkok, have witnessed the sale of e-cigarette devices openly, with some even advertising on social media.

The report has compiled a list of police stations across the country that have been accused of accepting bribes, including the locations of the shops involved, the names of the police officers, and the monthly protection fees ranging from 5000 to 10000 Thai baht (approximately $150-$300) collected from each shop. Khiriyakorn provided an explanation on this matter.

Khlong Sam Wa and Khan Na Ya areas, despite multiple complaints from parents about the proliferation of e-cigarette shops attracting students, the police chief of Khan Na Ya insists that no stores are illegally selling e-cigarettes and their accessories. Khlong Sam Wa emphasized that this contradicts the reports he has received.

The Gila Yu plan has submitted reports of misconduct by relevant police stations and personnel to the Prime Minister, hoping to be given due attention and appropriate action.