At 1:30 PM on May 16, Deputy Interior Minister Theerarat Samrejvanich, along with high-ranking Bangkok Metropolitan Police officers, conducted a raid on a three-story townhouse at 28 Soi Therdthai 83, Bang Wa, Phasi Charoen District. The operation targeted a major illegal e-cigarette distribution hub in the Thonburi area. The entire building was found to be used as a warehouse for storing e-cigarettes and vaping liquids, with over 100,000 items seized, valued at approximately 70 million baht.
Minister Theerarat stated she had been informed by the police about the raid and arrived on-site to join the inspection. This action marked the launch of “Operation Smoke Out EP.2,” a campaign to crack down on illegal e-cigarette distribution, aligned with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s directive.
The premises had reportedly been rented for around two years to operate as a distribution point for e-cigarettes. This site was identified as one of the largest in the Thonburi area. Police plan to expand their investigation to apprehend those responsible for the operation and continue to work closely with logistics companies to disrupt the supply chain.