Thai police have dismantled a large-scale electronic cigarette distribution network, arresting a key suspect and seizing assets valued at over 50 million baht, following a coordinated operation in Bangkok on Wednesday, May 28, 2025.
Authorities detained Thonnon, 41, at a commercial building on Sukhabhiban 2 Road in the Prawet district of the capital. The building was reportedly being used as the central hub for a widespread e-cigarette distribution business operating across Thailand. More than 100,000 e-cigarette devices and related products were confiscated during the raid.
The investigation began after police identified an online group, Nai Kheaw Kajee, believed to be instrumental in the nationwide distribution of electronic cigarette pods and devices. The network used private delivery services to ship orders discreetly and avoid customs detection.
According to police, the building, part of the Cape Bizsector commercial complex, had been rented and modified to function as both an office and a packaging facility. Officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division obtained a court warrant before entering the premises, where they found the adjoining four-storey units fully stocked and staffed by approximately 10 employees actively preparing shipments.
Thonnon admitted to owning the inventory, stating that he sourced the goods from a supplier in China and sold them to small retailers and individual customers online. Police said the operation had been active for over two years and generated daily revenues of between 300,000 to 500,000 baht. Financial records show that the business had a turnover exceeding 100 million baht over the past year.
Authorities charged Thonnon with jointly distributing electronic cigarettes and vaping liquid without customs clearance. The suspect and seized materials were transferred to Division 1 of the Economic Crime Suppression Division for legal proceedings.
This case follows similar recent enforcement actions, including an April 8 raid in the Sai Mai district, where a couple was arrested for selling e-cigarettes infused with illegal substances. That operation uncovered a significant quantity of drugs and related equipment at their residence.
