Thailand's E-Cigarette Crackdown: 4 Million Items Seized, 11,000 URLs Blocked

Key points: 

·In a large-scale crackdown from February to August 2025, the Thai government arrested over 3,200 people nationwide for illegal e-cigarette activities, seizing over 4 million e-cigarettes and related products worth 5.8 billion Thai Baht (approximately $17.89 million USD). 

·Online blockade: The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society blocked 11,000 websites selling e-cigarettes, forcing sellers to move from physical stores to online platforms and social media. 

·Health risks: The use of e-cigarettes is associated with an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, with regular e-cigarette users having a 1.623 times higher risk of stroke than non-users. 

·Severe penalties: Smuggling e-cigarettes can lead to up to 10 years in prison and a fine five times the value of the products; sellers face up to three years in prison and a fine of 600,000 Thai Baht (approximately $20,000 USD).

According to a report from The Nation Thailand on August 24, authorities in Thailand have seized over 4 million e-cigarettes and related products worth 5.8 billion baht (approximately 17.89 million USD) in a nationwide crackdown that began in 2025, a government spokesperson announced on August 24.

The spokesperson for the Deputy Prime Minister, Anukool Pruksanusak, stated that from February to August 23rd, more than 3,200 individuals have been arrested in operations targeting the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.

These efforts led to over 4 million e-cigarette devices and accessories being seized, worth 5.8 billion baht.

Anukul pointed out that the crackdown has forced many sellers to move underground, shifting from physical stores to online platforms and social media channels.

He also mentioned that the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society has blocked over 11,000 websites selling e-cigarettes.

The spokesperson emphasized that e-cigarettes pose serious health risks, including stroke and heart disease.

He cited data from the disease control department, saying that people who frequently use e-cigarettes are 1.623 times more likely to have a stroke than the average person, while those who occasionally use e-cigarettes are 1.28 times more at risk of having a stroke.

According to the data from the Ministry of Public Health, stroke is the second leading cause of death in Thailand. In 2024, there were 358,062 reported cases of stroke patients, with 39,086 deaths.

Anukul warned that those involved in smuggling e-cigarettes may face up to 10 years in prison, a fine five times the value of the products, or both. According to the Consumer Protection Act, sellers could face up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of 600,000 Thai Baht (approximately $20,000). Additionally, under customs law, offenders could face five years in prison or a fine four times the value of the products.

Possession of an e-cigarette could also result in a maximum penalty of five years in prison or a fine of up to four times the value of the product, or both.