Bangkok authorities crack down on vapes, raiding stores

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya authorities cracked down on the sale of vapes near schools, seizing 1.6 million baht worth of products. Led by the Consumer Protection Committee, the operation aims to protect public health, particularly children, from the dangers of nicotine addiction

The Secretary-General of the Consumer Protection Committee Thosarat Thanitiphan assigned a special operation centre led by the Director of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB) Lertsak Raktham, to act as the Deputy Director of the Special Operations Center, targeting the unregulated sales of electronic cigarettes.

CPB, along with officers, conducted inspections of stores clandestinely selling electronic cigarettes and e-liquids in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. They found such items being sold near schools in Bang Pa-in and Uthai districts for a considerable period.

Consequently, they seized all electronic cigarettes and e-liquids, worth approximately 1.6 million baht, and handed them over to the investigating officers of Bang Pa-in and Uthai police stations for legal proceedings against the sellers.

Thosarat stated that CPB, in conjunction with Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, has consistently carried out law enforcement operations against the illicit sale of electronic cigarettes and e-liquids, aligning with the policies of Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and the relevant ministers.

The minister attached to the Prime Minister’s Office, Jiraporn Sinthupiphat assigned the CPB to continue operations against electronic cigarettes due to their unlawful nature and adverse health effects, especially on children and adolescents following the school reopening period.

According to officials, it is necessary to increase law enforcement measures to protect consumers’ health from such hazardous products.

Illegally selling electronic cigarettes and e-liquids is punishable under Consumer Protection Committee Order No. 9/2558, which prohibits the sale or provision of services for electronic cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or e-liquid refills.

Anyone found violating this order is liable to imprisonment for up to three years, a fine of not more than 600,000 baht, or both.

Particularly, during the period when educational institutions are opening for classes, the CPB must ensure the safety of children and adolescents from such hazardous products, reported Daily News.