CHIANG MAI – The Deputy National Police Chief told a press briefing today that crime suppression officers have dismantled a major vape and e-cigarette supplier in the city. The network is sold online to customers nationwide.
Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitaneelabut, Deputy Commissioner-General of the Royal Thai Police, said the group had an annual cash flow of more than 30 million baht. Crime suppression police officers seized 36,555 items worth over 6.6 million baht, believed to be smuggled from Malaysia.
On Tuesday, at the Phra Phutthapratanyosbaramee conference room, Region 5 HQ in Mueang Chiang Mai, the deputy national police chief joined the Region 5 commander and the regional investigation team to brief the press. The operation targeted the “VAPEHAUS” network at three locations in central Chiang Mai.
The action followed a surge in e-cigarette use among youths in Upper Northern provinces and rampant online sales. The Region 5 Cyber Crime Suppression team identified the website “vapehaus URL: https://vapehaus.net”, which was openly selling to the public, had more than 20,000 members, and processed large daily orders.
Investigators gathered evidence, then secured search warrants for three sites. Point 1, a luxury housing estate in Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai, yielded 546 devices. Point 2, a luxury estate in San Phak Wan, Hang Dong, produced 3,828 devices.
Point 3, a housing estate in San Phak Wan, Hang Dong, turned up 33,181 devices. In total, police seized 36,555 e-cigarette products of various types, worth about 6,690,000 baht. They also took computers, mobile phones, over 2,000 packaging boxes, and a Wi-Fi router.
Officers arrested Ms Kabitsada (surname withheld), 40, and Ms Krisana (surname withheld), 31. Both were charged with selling e-cigarettes in breach of the Consumer Safety Board’s orders, and with concealing or trading goods tied to offences under the Customs Act BE 2560 (2017).
The two suspects told police they worked as packers and postal dispatchers, each earning a monthly salary of 16,000 baht. They packed orders at night and shipped in the morning. Orders came through three Line OA accounts with more than 18,000 combined members.
The trading system moved about 30 million baht per year and had been active for two years. A main financier handled imported stock, believed to have been smuggled across the Malaysian border, then moved up to Chiang Mai. The group rented luxury homes as packing and distribution hubs.
Region 5 will expand the probe, track financial flows, verify the full supply chain for the seized e-cigarettes, and pursue beneficiaries, including the financier behind the operation.
Thailand has maintained one of the world’s strictest prohibitions on vaping products since 2014, classifying e-cigarettes, vape pens, e-liquids, and related accessories as illegal under the Consumer Protection Act and the Customs Act.
The ban covers importation, sale, distribution, possession, and use, with no exceptions for personal or tourist use.
Key Provisions of the Ban
- What’s Prohibited: All electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), including disposable vapes, refillable devices, pods, and e-liquids (even nicotine-free). Heat-not-burn products like IQOS are also banned.
- Legal Basis:
- Section 20 of the Customs Act Bans importation.
- Tobacco Control Act (Section 42): Prohibits public use.
- Consumer Protection Act (2014 notification): Outlaws sale and distribution.
- No Loopholes: A 2019 amendment removed some sales restrictions, but importation and possession remain illegal, creating a de facto total ban. Claims that vapes are “not illegal” (e.g., from a 2024 opinion piece) are outdated and contradicted by 2025 enforcement actions.
Despite the ban, an illegal market persists. Devices disguised as toys, known as toy pods, have appeared, raising concerns that prohibition supports unsafe products rather than regulated ones.
Penalties for Violations
Penalties are strict and apply to both residents and visitors.
| Violation Type | Fine | Imprisonment | Additional Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Importation, sale, or distribution | Up to 30,000 THB (~$900 USD) or four times the item’s value | Up to 10 years | Customs seizures are common at airports such as Suvarnabhumi. Items are confiscated at once. |
| Possession or use | Up to 30,000 THB or four times the item’s value | Up to 5 years | Public use is banned under the Tobacco Act. Possession still makes private use illegal. Tourists are often fined on the spot. |
High‑profile incidents, such as the 2023 arrest of a Taiwanese actress at Bangkok airport, show that enforcement applies to everyone.
Advice for Travellers and Residents
- Do not bring vapes: Leave devices at home. Thai customs uses scanners and random checks, and items in checked bags are not allowed.
- Avoid local purchases: Underground sellers operate, but products can be fake or tainted.
- Alternatives: Traditional cigarettes are legal, with heavy taxes and public use limits. Smoking cessation support, such as patches and counselling, is promoted.
- Stay informed: Check official sources, such as the Tourism Authority of Thailand or Thai Customs, before travel. Airport and tourist signs warn about the ban.
While some argue for regulation and tax revenue or harm reduction, Thailand continues to back a full ban to protect public health. As of late 2025, there is no sign of repeal.
