Chom Chong Customs Seizes 33,000 Illegal Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes Worth 30 Million Baht
Chom Chong Customs in Surin seized over 33,000 illegal cigarettes and 3,000 e-cigarettes worth more than 30 million baht during a four-month operation. The crackdown, focused on inland areas after border closures, also netted over 80,000 counterfeit items valued at 100 million baht. Officials warned that fake e-cigarettes contain dangerously high levels of toxic chemicals and urged the public to stop buying illegal tobacco products to protect youth health.
Chom Chong Customs launched a heavy crackdown over four months, seizing more than 33,000 contraband cigarettes and e-cigarettes valued at over 30 million baht. Officials warned youth that "cheap goods don't exist," noting counterfeit products contain highly hazardous substances.
On October 21, 2026, Chom Chong Customs Superintendent Prasit Deejongjaroen revealed proactive measures to prevent and suppress tax-evading cigarettes and illegal e-cigarettes, which are spreading and harming the economy, society, and public health, especially children and youth targeted through online channels and retail stores.
Superintendent Prasit disclosed that over the past four months, the checkpoint seized more than 30,000 contraband cigarettes and over 3,000 e-cigarettes, with a combined value exceeding 30 million baht. Chom Chong Customs oversees three strategic areas: the Chom Chong border checkpoint in Surin, the Chong Ta Kao border checkpoint in Buriram, and the free zone and warehouse in Nakhon Ratchasima. Due to strict border closures and area control by the Second Army Region, Chom Chong Customs shifted strategy to focus on inland control, particularly in Nakhon Ratchasima. This led to over 55 major cases, seizure of more than 80,000 items, and total damages exceeding 100 million baht, including various copyright-infringing goods.
Superintendent Prasit added that the more than 3,000 e-cigarettes seized from a distribution center in Nakhon Ratchasima between August and October were counterfeit products containing chemicals and hazardous substances at levels many times higher than regular market cigarettes. Buyers trade their long-term health for a low price.
Furthermore, e-cigarettes and contraband cigarettes are prohibited imports under Thai law. Possession carries both fines and imprisonment, and officers can pursue charges even for a single stick. Authorities urge public cooperation to act as eyes and ears, refrain from supporting illegal goods, and protect the health and future of Thai youth.
