Police Bust Major E-Cigarette Ring With 20,000 Units in Bangkok
Police raided five Bangkok locations and seized approximately 20,000 e-cigarettes from a major online distribution network operating through a LINE account, arresting five family members involved in the operation.
On July 7, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Surphol Preembhut, commander of the Cyber Suppression Division, along with Pol. Col. Vivat Khamchanakij, deputy commander, led officers in executing search warrants at five locations in Prachauthit sois 16 and 27, Bangmod, Thung Khru, Bangkok. The operation targeted a major online e-cigarette distribution network. Initial searches at locations 1-3, residential homes on Prachauthit Soi 27, found no violations. Location 4 yielded packages of e-cigarettes concealed in a shed. Location 5, at the end of Prachauthit Soi 16, proved most significant—officers discovered two single-story structures serving as a warehouse and packing facility, along with a black Daihatsu van loaded with packages ready for courier delivery. In total, approximately 20,000 e-cigarette units were seized, and five family members working as facility managers and packers were taken into custody. Police found the operation was selling e-cigarettes online through a LINE account "lover___" after undercover test purchases confirmed the operation. The contraband originated from a neighboring country, entered Thailand through the southern region, and was redistributed from Bangkok. E-cigarette sales have become increasingly restricted, prompting sellers to move operations to social media. All evidence was seized as exhibits, and suspects were referred to Ratchaburi Station for legal proceedings.
