In a dramatic twist to the Excise Department’s routine, the Ministry of Finance’s Deputy Minister, Paophum Rojanasakul, embarked on a mission that sounds like it’s straight out of an action-packed thriller. It’s not every day you hear about a high-stakes effort to combat illegal excise tax evasion, but the recent operations at the Nakhon Pathom office of the Excise Department Region 7 commanded just that attention. The objective? To thwart the insidious activities of smugglers attempting to skirt taxes and, in turn, the law.
Pioneering this elaborate operation was the crucial effort to prevent the sneaky infiltration of illicit goods, with a spotlight shining intensely on illegal cigarettes. These smoldering contraband goods rarely paused at borders, instead choosing to snake their way through the more discreet, natural conduits of commerce. The backdrop of this cinematic plot unfurled most vividly at the Kanchanaburi office, where the smuggling network, often dubbed as ‘ant armies,’ moved cigarette packs in dribs and drabs, evading ever-watchful eyes.
Following meticulous investigations and seemingly endless nights spent concealed within the underbrush, officers seized a staggering 35,250 packs of illegal cigarettes across various districts. Among these were 30,000 packs of those intriguing “Thai For Export Only” soft packs, 5,150 hard packs, and a smattering of 100 foreign brands. All these arduous efforts culminated in damages estimated at an eye-watering 4,707,894.48 baht (or approximately US$141,045).
The smuggling story doesn’t end there. Cigarettes faced a dual-front assault, smuggled with impunity from neighboring lands via postal services. Once inside the borders, they multiplied, gathering in number before fanning out to meet customers’ insatiable demand. In response, Paophum Rojanasakul charged the Excise Department Region 7 with a fiery mandate: a Zero Tolerance policy towards these sneaky transgressors of excise tax laws.
This crackdown wasn’t just smoke and mirrors. Across Kanchanaburi, border posts like Ban Phu Nam Ron and Ban I-Tong transformed into fortified bastions. Temporary trading channels, characterized by the laid-back ambiance of Phra Chedi Sam Ong and the serene Ban Ton Yang in Sangkhla Buri, buzzed with heightened security measures. Prachuap Khiri Khan wasn’t left out either, with strategic points like the Singkhon border checkpoint flexing their legislative muscles to enhance control.
The detention efforts coursed through the digital realm too. Online smuggling via delivery firms was rampant, particularly in the south, weaving complex webs that occasionally ensnared careless captors. The results? In the first half of fiscal year 2025 alone, prosecutions surged, with a 28.26% hike in cases. This resulted in fines soaring to 51.49 million baht (about US$1.5 million), and the impending fines were estimated at a jaw-dropping 148.06 million baht (about US$4.43 million). Nothing short of a blockbuster.
Tobacco-related cases, unsurprisingly, ensnared the largest share of culprits, constituting 57.34% of proceedings. Alcohol wasn’t far behind, claiming 32.78% of the spotlight. Delving into specifics, 719 tobacco cases resulted in hefty fines, and an astounding confiscation of tobacco packs further proved the department’s mettle. Alcohol cases saw similar diligence, with raids uncovering liters upon liters of illegally moved liquids of both domestic and foreign creations.
Other creative contraband tales emerged from areas not commonly associated with excise drama. From motorcycles to mystical perfumes to cards tailored for a gambler’s delight, the diversity of busts read like a mystery novel’s whimsically unfolding plot twists.
In an electrifying finale to the unfolding saga, Paophum Rojanasakul extended hearty commendations to the indefatigable spirit of the Excise Department Region 7 and its affiliated detectives. But the curtain hasn’t fallen yet. Kaosod reports that these daring individuals were urged to continue pushing the envelope, delving ever deeper into the complicated underworld of smuggling. After all, the adventure to exterminate the ghostly traces of crime is far from over. With characters as compelling as this and a narrative that ebbs and flows with the gripping tales of heroism, Thailand’s vigil against smuggling certainly deserves an encore.
I bet they only caught the small fish while the big players are still out there.
Totally agree! Always happens this way. The real masterminds are skilled at evading capture.
Exactly, makes you wonder if they even want to catch the big ones.
Maybe it’s about sending a message, even if it’s the small guys that get caught.
True, it’s still something, but they should aim for the top.
I’m impressed by the numbers – that’s a lot of illegal cigarettes taken off the streets!
I wonder how common it is to use postal services for smuggling?
Quite common, from what I’ve heard. It’s less obvious, I guess.
Makes sense, plus packages can go unnoticed.
It’s fascinating how narratives of crime are woven into everyday smuggling activities.
Indeed, smuggling has a rich history and it’s like modern-day adventurer tales.
Absolutely, they become almost cultural stories across generations.
They should focus on why there’s such a high demand for these smuggled goods.
Exactly, tackle the root cause rather than just the symptoms.
Right, it’s the economic disparity that drives this market.
The logistics of this operation must be fascinating. I’d love to see how they track posting services.
With today’s tech, I’m sure they have some sophisticated methods.
Yeah, I imagine it’s a cat and mouse game, constantly evolving.
I’m just surprised by the sheer variety of contraband. You’d think cigarettes and alcohol would be enough trouble!
Why is there no mention of efforts to prevent corruption within customs officials?
That’s an elephant in the room they’d rather not highlight, I guess.
Sad reality, tackling it would change the game significantly though.
It’s like a good vs evil story, but the stakes are real.
Totally. It’s like a never-ending saga with shifting players.
That’s why it’s so captivating, isn’t it?
I’ll bet the excitement isn’t high among the smokers who just lost their stash.
While they’re battling smugglers, we’re still waiting for them to cut the official red tape for legit businesses.
Red tape and taxes are all part of the reason this illegal market thrives.
Exactly, it’s all connected. They should streamline the process.
An exciting story, but I can’t help feel more needs to be done on the policy level.
Policy changes always lag behind immediate action because they’re complex and slow.
True, it’s just frustrating to see short-term fixations.