The realm of digital oversight has seen vibrant activity over the past year as the Digital Economy and Society Ministry (DES) strives to wipe out illicit e-cigarette commerce online. A staggering figure of over 9,500 URLs, deeply entrenched in the world of e-cigarette sales, have been meticulously blocked by the government. Delving into this digital crusade, Deputy Government Spokeswoman Sasikarn Wattanachan unveiled the intricate web of online platforms being targeted in this cyber clampdown.
From the bustling e-commerce corridors of March 2024 to the vigilant watch ending on March 19, 2025, the DES reported shutting down an imposing 9,515 URLs that dabbled in selling or importing e-cigarettes. This inclusive list is nothing short of a digital exodus, comprising 9,200 accounts on the platform X (formerly known as the artist Social Discord), a variety of websites numbering 235, a suite of 28 Facebook accounts, 12 visually tantalizing Instagram pages, and a TikTok squad of 14. The shadowy figures lurking in these cyber alleys didn’t just stop there – Ms. Sasikarn detailed the closure of 120 Facebook groups that were in cahoots with the e-cigarette underground.
Behind the scenes, the ministry’s digital sleuths wielded sophisticated social listening and data monitoring tools. Their sharp observational prowess detected 285 posts from sellers tempting fate with e-cigarettes, alongside a curious 93 posts by buyers — perhaps a manifestation of digital desire. Ms. Sasikarn’s revelations arrive with a stern legal caution firmly rooted in the Consumer Protection Act. A tangential journey into the realm of e-cigarette sales, for the ill-fated, promises up to three years as a guest of the state, a hefty financial slap of 600,000 baht, or an unfortunate duet of both.
The legal narrative contorts further for those wearing the importer’s crown. For these orchestrators of cross-border electronic indulgence, the law’s arms stretch long and strong, threatening a decade behind bars alongside a fine quintuple the cost of their smuggled treasures. Indeed, the buyers themselves do not escape; they too, could find themselves ensnared by a five-year sentence shadowed by a fine quadruple their recent acquisitions.
The urgency of vigilance is palpable as Ms. Sasikarn implores the public to become beacons of enforcement. She nudges every digitally aware citizen to ring the DES hotline at 1212 or engage with law enforcement agencies to report errant e-cigarette sales or whispers of smuggling. This call to action echoes through the ether, a societal summons to join in the government’s digital patrol as they wrestle for the sanctity of cyber spaces. The open question remains – will these efforts vanquish the haze of electronic smoke, or merely disperse it to new unseen corners of the digital realm?
It’s about time someone took action against these e-cigarette sellers online. The health risks are just too high!
But isn’t it a bit extreme to jail people for e-cigarettes? Seems like overkill to me.
Laws are meant to deter people. Without strong penalties, these sellers will keep popping up.
I agree, Sophia. E-cigarettes aren’t as eco-friendly as some think; regulations can prevent environmental harm too.
Shouldn’t Thailand focus on more pressing issues? The economy is a mess and this is what they prioritize?
I think health and safety are pretty important. Respiratory diseases cost the healthcare system a lot.
Pushing back against harmful products is pressing too. Public health affects economic productivity.
I think it’s fascinating how digital monitoring is used here. Kind of a double-edged sword though.
Right? If they start with e-cigs, where does it end? Privacy concerns are very real.
People should have the right to choose what they consume. It’s a personal freedom issue.
This focus on digital crackdowns avoids the real issue: tobacco companies need tighter regulation.
It’s easier to target online sellers than big corporations with lots of lawyers.
True, but that doesn’t make it right. We need systemic change, not just quick fixes.
So many blocked URLs, it just seems like a game of digital whack-a-mole to me.
That’s a good analogy, Lucy. But they can’t give up just because it’s hard.
They should crack down on online gambling sites instead. Aren’t those illegal too?
I heard they’re tackling that next. Maybe e-cigs are just the start.
Does anyone else think this is just to distract people from political issues?
It’s a classic move. When things go south politically, shift focus to another issue.
Exactly! It’s not like e-cigarettes are the root of all problems in Thailand.
The DES sounds like they are really on it. Those tools sound effective, but costly too.
Just 285 posts from sellers? With such few victory counts, is this even worth the effort?
Good point, Ralph. It feels like they’re just scratching the surface.
Data monitoring tools also help in other areas like fraud detection, not just e-cigs.
The public should step up and report sellers. Community involvement is key.
Sounds like an invasion of privacy to me. Who knows what else they’re snooping on?
Thailand isn’t the only country cracking down; it’s a worldwide trend against e-cigarettes.