In the sunny realms of Chon Buri, a shifty scheme turned sour when a man, masquerading as a mere purveyor of handbags, found himself handcuffed instead of handling merchandise. As it turns out, under the pretense of operating a humble bag shop, he was actually dabbling in the shadowy sale of electronic cigarettes—a haul of over 100 items, to be precise. This under-the-radar operation didn’t stay hidden for long and managed to catch the eagle-eyed attention of law enforcement, culminating in a swift and decisive raid.
Leading the charge, Police Colonel Navin Sinthurat, together with Deputy Superintendent of Bang Lamung Police Station Suphawat Latpreecha and Deputy Superintendent of Investigation Kornphong Sukwisit, spearheaded the operation. The team descended upon the illicit operation located quietly across from Nawong Market in the bustling Takhiantia subdistrict. This was all part of a broader, national crackdown, targeting electronic cigarettes due to their pernicious effect on public health, particularly among the youth who are most vulnerable to their siren call.
As officers swept through the unnumbered shop, they confiscated an impressive stash of 171 electronic cigarette items, which included both disposable and refillable types, along with 120 e-cigarette liquid cartridges. This clandestine stash was unearthed, and with it, 54-year-old Charun Sriphueangchan found his sideline entrepreneurship efforts coming to an abrupt halt. He faced charges for concealing and selling untaxed goods, a clear violation of the customs procedures and restrictions in place—a report well-documented by KhaoSod. Attempting to evade law enforcement with his faux bag shop exterior turned out to be a strategy that didn’t quite hit the mark.
The confiscated items, along with Mr. Sriphueangchan himself, were delivered promptly to the Bang Lamung Police Station, where legal proceedings are now poised to unfold. But the tale doesn’t stop there—a parallel narrative was unfolding simultaneously in the vibrant district of Huai Khwang. Here, a different police operation was being masterfully orchestrated by Police Colonel Worawit Yanchinda, with spectacularly similar results.
On the same day, law enforcement, including Police Colonel Phitak Suthikul, Police Colonel Korakot Pochayawanich, and Police Colonel Denla Rattanakit, executed a remarkably successful raid on a condominium. Their meticulous efforts led to the arrest of a man and woman duo—a 31-year-old named Adithep and his 27-year-old accomplice, Inthira. They had been involved in selling e-cigarettes through a LINE group whimsically named Lay Hom Hom.
The duo wasn’t just sticking to online sales; Adithep, whose day job was at a renowned entertainment venue, had also been selling these products face-to-face to his clientele. When the police swooped in, they snagged substantial evidence: 402 disposable e-cigarettes, 10 e-cigarette devices, and a staggering 1,600 e-cigarette liquid cartridges. Their operation unraveled, leading them directly into the arms of the law for a reckoning.
These back-to-back operations underscore a significant stride in tackling illegal e-cigarette sales, aiming to curb their unchecked spread and ensure public safety. From the undercover bag shop in Chon Buri to the condo enterprise in Huai Khwang, the message is clear—there’s no hiding in plain site when the law is on the move, ensuring everyone involved is brought to justice. A tale unraveling in the very fabric of Thai society, where the grip of law is ever-firm, and justice unfolds one bust at a time.
It’s about time these illegal e-cigarette operations get shut down. They’re not just a health hazard, they’re actively targeting young people with deceptive marketing!
I agree, but doesn’t this seem like a massive overreaction? E-cigarettes are less harmful than traditional smoking.
True, but they’re still not safe, especially for teenagers who can get addicted easily.
Exactly, Miles. The lesser harm doesn’t mean no harm! We need to protect kids from getting hooked.
Why can’t adults make their own choices? You can’t police everyone!
These raids are great, but I wish they’d also go after all the plastic waste e-cigs create. It’s a major environmental issue.
Totally with you there! The environmental cost is often overlooked amidst health concerns.
Let’s focus on one problem at a time. People come first, but sustainability should be next.
People are going to find a way around the law anyway. Banning e-cigs just invites more black market activity.
Legit point. Governments should regulate and tax e-cigs properly instead of making them illegal.
But would legalizing really make them safer for young people? That’s the main concern here.
Why not just crack down on regular cigarettes too? Both are bad.
The focus should be on educating young people about the risks, rather than just cracking down on sellers.
Education is key! But we also need a strong legal framework to support healthy choices.
And what about those who already know the risks and still choose to vape? How do we handle that?
This crackdown feels excessive; people should have the freedom to make their own choices.
But what about when those choices harm others, particularly impressionable teens?
True… but isn’t that what parenting is for? It’s not the government’s job.
It’s a community effort, not one or the other. Both need to step up.
E-cigs helped me quit smoking! Why push people back to tobacco?
Congrats on quitting tobacco! But many start vaping without having smoked before.
It’s hilarious how they thought running a bag shop would be a good cover.
Just shows how desperate some people are to make a quick buck.
These busts are necessary. Law and order need to be respected no matter what.
True, but laws should adapt to changing times too.
This is just a reflection of failed policy efforts. We need smarter public health campaigns.
Honestly, I feel for the small business owners, but at the end of the day, you reap what you sow.
Police should focus on more serious crimes. Is a handheld vape really a priority?
Every crime impacts society as a whole. Need to start somewhere, right?
Wow, Thailand means business! These operations are impressive.
Imagine running a condo vape trade and thinking you won’t get caught!
Over-confidence usually leads to downfall.