Thailand Customs Seizes Over 105 Million Illegal Cigarettes, Vapes
Thailand Customs Department reported seizing over 105 million illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes in fiscal year 2026, up from the previous year. The agency recorded 3,748 cases related to these products and plans to use AI-driven risk management and double fines to curb smuggling. Overall, customs officers handled nearly 60,000 cases worth 4.83 billion baht during the year.
On October 19, 2026, Director-General Panthong Loeykulnan of the Thailand Customs Department disclosed the results of the crackdown on illegal cigarettes and e-cigarettes for fiscal year 2026, noting continuous smuggling and distribution through online platforms and domestic transport before reaching small retailers and consumers nationwide. He said the Customs Department, as a frontline agency, is strengthening preventive and suppressive measures and employing technology to improve interception of illegal goods to protect national interests. Panthong acknowledged that smuggling of illegal goods remains difficult to eradicate because criminals constantly refine concealment methods to avoid detection. In fiscal year 2026, customs officers intercepted and prosecuted 59,840 cases worth a total of 4.83235 billion baht. Among these, 9,750 cases involving health- and safety‑affecting products such as illegal cigarettes, e‑cigarettes, alcoholic beverages, firearms and fireworks were valued at over 1.234 billion baht. Specifically, illegal cigarettes, e‑cigarettes and related equipment accounted for 3,748 cases, with more than 105 million items seized valued at around 566 million baht, of which up to 104 million were cigarettes — an increase from the previous fiscal year, indicating sustained demand. He described smuggling tactics as increasingly sophisticated, with contraband hidden at the rear of containers or mixed with legitimate cargo, and e‑cigarettes often disassembled, packed in crates and reassembled later to evade inspection. In response, the Customs Department has shifted from routine inspections to an AI‑driven risk management system, integrating trade, intelligence and offence data to pinpoint risks and monitor illegal imports and exports more precisely. This approach deepens investigations, improves the accuracy of searches and interception of smuggling networks, and also facilitates legitimate trade. Panthong stressed that modern enforcement must be data‑driven, making the use of technology and risk‑essential for accurate and targeted suppression of criminal networks. The department also collaborates with security agencies and other relevant bodies to exchange intelligence and expand investigations.
