Pattaya Police Crack Down on Illegal Vape Dealers

Thai authorities have launched a targeted crackdown on the sale of banned e-cigarettes in Pattaya, a popular tourist destination, after a sting operation seized a stash of illegal vapes worth 16,000 baht. Police identified 31-year-old Naruebet as a key suspect allegedly peddling e-cigarettes in a local soi, and he now faces prosecution under Section 246 of the Customs Act 2017. The operation aimed to shut down the black market sale of electronic cigarettes and protect public health, particularly among young people, who are increasingly drawn to vaping products.

Key Takeaways:

• The Pattaya City Police launched a targeted crackdown on the sale of banned e-cigarettes, seizing a stash of 40 disposable Marbo 9,000 Puffs e-cigarettes worth 16,000 baht.
• The operation identified 31-year-old Naruebet as a key suspect allegedly peddling e-cigarettes in Soi Phaniad Chang 10.
• Naruebet now faces prosecution under Section 246 of the Customs Act 2017 for possessing, selling, or distributing goods that have not cleared customs procedures.
• The police warned online sellers that they are under close scrutiny, as many traders use social media to market vaping devices to teenagers and tourists who may not realise they are breaking the law.
• Thailand maintains some of the toughest regulations on vaping products in Southeast Asia, with violators facing heavy fines and potential jail time.
• The clampdown on e-cigarette sales will continue across Pattaya and surrounding areas, with the police urging the public to report any suspicious activity related to the sale of e-cigarettes.

Statistics:

• 40: The number of disposable Marbo 9,000 Puffs e-cigarettes seized by police.
• 16,000 baht: The value of the seized e-cigarettes.
• 400 baht: The retail price of each e-cigarette device.
• 31: The age of Naruebet, the suspect allegedly peddling e-cigarettes.
• 2020: The year Puntid Tantivangphaisal moved to Bangkok to pursue further studies in translation.

Sources:

• "Pattaya police seize 40 containers of e-cigarettes worth 16,000 baht in major operation" by The Pattaya News.