Customs has joined forces across all sectors to dismantle illegal cigarette and e-cigarette networks, destroying over 95 million seized items valued at 676 million baht.
On 22 June 2026 at 10:00 a.m., Mr. Phanthong Loikulkarn, Director-General of the Customs Department, presided over the destruction ceremony of seized cigarettes and e-cigarettes from finalized cases, totaling over 95 million items valued at 676 million baht, with Police Colonel Anuwat Rakcharoen, Deputy Commander of the Consumer Protection Crime Suppression Division (Deputy Commander of PCT), attending.Police Colonel WongpakornPremkulnanat, Deputy Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau's Economic Crime Suppression Division.
Mr. Teerathat Isarangkun Na Ayudhya, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works; representatives from Samut Prakan Industrial Sector; representatives from the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand; representatives from Bang Pu Industrial Estate Office; along with Customs Department executives and related agencies attended the ceremony at Akkhiprakan Public Company Limited, Bang Pu Industrial Estate, Samut Prakan Province.
Mr. Phanthong Loikulkarn, Director-General of the Customs Department, said that Customs and related agencies have responded to the government policy under Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Dr. Akniti Nitithanprapas to enhance measures to prevent and combat illegal imports, especially cigarettes and e-cigarettes, which pose health risks particularly to children and youth. Customs has integrated cooperation with the Royal Thai Police to intensify suppression on all fronts including borders, ports, airports, and postal parcels nationwide, resulting in large seizures of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This led to today's destruction ceremony of finalized seized goods from customs checkpoints nationwide totaling over 95 million items valued at 676 million baht. The destruction is conducted by Akkhiprakan Public Company Limited using a closed incineration system meeting international standards, supervised by the Department of Industrial Works and related agencies, effectively controlling pollution and preventing environmental and community impact, aligning with transparent and environmentally safe management of seized goods.
This destruction reflects the firm stance of the Customs Department and related agencies to decisively break the cycle of illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes, reinforcing strict law enforcement and demonstrating transparency in managing seized items to assure the public that all items are destroyed legally and cannot harm society again.
The Director-General concluded that Customs will continue close integration with all sectors to enhance prevention and crackdown on illegal cigarette and e-cigarette imports through all channels. He also strongly reminded everyone that e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited for import and sale due to health hazards and potential addictive substances. Customs urges public cooperation, especially among children and youth, to refrain from buying, using, or supporting e-cigarettes in any form and to jointly monitor and report violations to protect Thai health and build a safer society for future generations.
Read the news " Government Policy " further