Thai PM directs nationwide crackdown on e-cigarettes
24/02/2025
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a sweeping crackdown on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), warning that any officials found to be abetting will face strict action. - File photo/REUTERS
BANGKOK: Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a sweeping crackdown on electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), warning that any officials found to be in abetting will face strict action.
Thai government spokesman Jirayu Huangsap said the directive was made following reports of widespread sales of e-cigarettes across the country.
"The Prime Minister has ordered a crackdown on e-cigarettes and called for strict action to be taken against any officials involved," he said in a statement posted on the Royal Thai Government's website on Monday. He revealed that more than 3,000 items worth more than 2 million baht were seized during raids on illegal e-cigarette sellers in the Kannayao and Khok Kham areas of Bangkok, on Sunday.
"This operation covers almost one area under the Metropolitan Police Bureau, but many illegal vendors have been found to be operating openly," he said.
Jirayu highlighted findings from confidential reports on e-cigarette trafficking and related corruption. He noted that all the raided shops were not operating in secret, but instead operating openly on the roadside with eye-catching displays, thus raising the question of how local police patrols could overlook the activity.
"This situation has raised suspicions that there are enforcement officers who may be complicit in allowing these shops to operate unchecked," he added.
Jirayu stated that he had informed the Prime Minister and Cabinet Secretary earlier today, emphasising the lack of enforcement against the sale of illegal e-cigarettes across the region.
He also noted that there were shops operating near schools, with reports claiming that certain officials had accepted bribes to "turn a blind eye" to the activity.
"In areas where arrests are made by other agencies, the local police must be investigated to determine whether negligence or corruption is the cause of this situation, just like cases of illegal gambling found in their jurisdiction.
"I have reported this matter to the Royal Thai Police. If a superior employee fails to take action, the problem will continue to persist. This situation is further aggravated when dangerous drugs are mixed into e-cigarettes, resulting in deaths among youths. More worryingly, the average age of consumers is decreasing, with some as young as 14 years old having started using e-cigarettes," said Jirayu.
Jirayu also suggested that the Prime Minister set up a task force to combat e-cigarettes and suggested that it be named the "Doraemon Task Force", referring to e-cigarette devices designed to resemble Doraemon and other toys that appeal to children and youths.
