"Chong Chom Customs" join forces "Korat Post Office" launch operation to seize "illegal cigarettes" over 15,000 sticks valued at around 14,500,000 baht; issue warning "smokers" ordering online should beware of mold and counterfeit products
On 9 August 2026, Mr. Prasit Deejongcharoen, Chief of Chong Chom Customs, stated that the government prioritizes cracking down on all types of illegal goods to ensure effective tax collection, fairness to honest entrepreneurs, and, importantly, to protect the public from products that could impact health and increase long-term public healthcare costs.
Therefore, Mr. Panthong Loikulanun, Director-General of the Customs Department, Ms. Suntareeya Twichaprasit, Deputy Director-General, and Ms. Lalita Atthapimol, Director of Customs Region 2, have instructed Chong Chom Customs, responsible for Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Surin provinces, to intensify the crackdown on illegal goods by enforcing laws more strictly.
Mr. Prasit said that following these directives, officials analyzed intelligence, observed behaviors, and tracked risky transport routes until confident. They then collaborated with Mr. Somkiat Kamphila, Head of Nakhon Ratchasima Postal Center, and Mr. Navin Promchim, Assistant Head, to launch the “No Smoking This Month” operation, conducting ongoing inspections and seizures during the late July long holiday period.
As a result of this intensive operation by both agencies, they intercepted and seized over 15,000 illegal cigarette sticks from reaching residents in these three northeastern provinces, valued at about 14.5 million baht.
However, what is most alarming besides the vast quantity of illegal cigarettes is that upon initial inspection, nearly all were counterfeit. Moreover, due to elaborate smuggling methods and prolonged transport times, most products had developed mold. Therefore, he affirmed their commitment to continue protecting the people of the lower northeastern region from being deceived by online illegal cigarette traders with full effort in line with government and Customs Department policies.