The government is intensifying its crackdown on illegal goods, reporting that in the first month of fiscal year 2027, it has arrested 3,693 offenders with fines exceeding 87 million baht. Tobacco offenses topped the list with 2,395 cases.
On 12 November 2026, Ms. Ploythee Laksamee Sangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, stated that the government is advancing strict nationwide measures to prevent and suppress illegal excise goods, especially contraband cigarettes, which remain the most commonly detected illegal item. This issue causes significant damage to state revenue and negatively impacts lawful business operators.
Ms. Ploythee said that in fiscal year 2027, the government, through the Excise Department, has continually enhanced its efforts to prevent and combat excise-related illegal activities. In October 2026, the first month of the fiscal year, authorities arrested 3,693 offenders, imposing fines totaling 87.61 million baht, with estimated fines reaching 176.29 million baht. The top three categories of illegal goods were as follows:
1. Tobacco: 2,395 cases with fines of 66.37 million baht and estimated fines of 172.81 million baht. Authorities seized a total of 333,246 packs of both domestic and foreign tobacco products.
2. Alcohol: 1,071 cases with fines of 12.29 million baht and estimated fines of 1.61 million baht. Seized alcohol included 9,536.759 liters of domestic and 1,612.693 liters of foreign alcohol, totaling 11,149.452 liters.
3. Motorcycles: 53 cases with fines of 1.39 million baht and 60 vehicles seized.
“The government has instructed relevant agencies to intensify efforts to prevent and suppress excise violations, focusing on enforcing laws tailored to the specific risks of each area. This includes intercepting illegal goods at the borders, monitoring transportation and distribution routes, and cracking down on illegal sales and possession. These actions are supported by data and collaboration with related agencies to stop illegal goods at their source, reduce their market entry, ensure fairness for lawful businesses, protect state revenue, and strengthen confidence in the country’s tax system and economy,” Ms. Ploythee said.