Police Raid Luxury Pattaya Home, Arrest 3 Chinese Nationals Operating Illegal 'Zombie' E-Cigarette Factory
Police arrested three Chinese nationals operating an illegal e-cigarette factory from a Pattaya mansion, seizing chemicals and equipment used to produce counterfeit "zombie" vapes laced with banned acetamide.
On May 12, 2025, police commanders ordered an operation that resulted in the arrest of Tang Suai (33), Paolo Lee (30), and Chen Jiajun (25), all Chinese nationals, at a residential address on Nong Kra-bork Road in Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. They face charges of manufacturing and possessing acetamide (a Class 2 controlled substance) without authorization for commercial purposes and distribution to the public, as well as working without proper authorization as foreign nationals.
Officers seized extensive quantities of chemicals and manufacturing equipment, including Solvay Interrox ST 50 (2 drums), blue chemical drums (81), pip chemical drums (74), white chemical powder (10 trays and 1 bag), scales, sealing machines, sodium bicarbonate (4 sacks), pre-filled e-cigarette pod packaging (2,700 units), production machinery (3 units), white storage drums (3), and additional chemical drums and powder. The two-story, gated residence contained chemical supplies and manufacturing equipment hidden throughout both floors, with evidence suggesting preparations to pack these substances into "zombie" e-cigarettes for sale.
After forensic testing confirmed the substances as acetamide, a critical component in counterfeit zombie e-cigarettes, all materials were seized as evidence. All three suspects denied the charges and were detained pending further investigation by the prosecution.
