Phuket Governor Sophon Suwannarat announced that he had tasked several high-ranking officials, including Vice Governor Sattha Thongkham, Phuket Provincial Palad (Chief Administrative Officer) Suwit Suriyawong and Muang Phuket District Chief Worasit Putjeeb to coordinate the raid, said an official report of the raid posted online yesterday (Aug 8)
The operation was conducted after a complaint was lodged with the Phuket Provincial Damrongtham Centre (Provincial Ombudsman’s Office), alerting authorities to the illegal sale of e-cigarettes through online platforms, specifically via the Line application, said the report.
The investigation led authorities to a rented property on Tilok Uthit 2 Rd in the heart of Phuket Town, where a significant amount of e-cigarette products and accessories were discovered.
The confiscated items included 109 vaping devices, 162 e-cigarette tips, 64 bottles of vaping liquid, 48 e-cigarette coils, 55 e-liquid refill tips, and B400 in cash.
The suspect, a male, not named in the report, was detained at the scene.
Legal charges have been filed against the suspect under Section 242 and Section 246 of the Customs Act B.E. 2017, along with Section 4 of the Ministry of Commerce’s 2014 announcement prohibiting the importation of electronic hookahs and e-cigarettes. The suspect faces charges related to the illegal sale and distribution of these prohibited products, the report confirmed
Governor Suwannarat emphasised the severity of the issue, stating that e-cigarettes pose a significant health risk, leading to serious conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and acute pneumonia. He highlighted the need for stringent enforcement to protect public health and maintain social order, the report said.
KRATOM HIT
The vaping raid yesterday followed officials arresting a 51-year-old woman for operating what was called a ‘kratom juice shop’ in Phuket Town.
An official report of the raid posted online did not give the specific location of the raid, or name the woman arrested.
Again, the raid was reported as ordered by Governor Sophon and carried out under the direction of Muang District Chief Worasait, and reported as carried out after a complaint was filed with the Phuket Damrongtham Centre.
However, this time it was confirmed that security personnel from the Phuket branch of the Volunteer Defense Force (OrSor) were present in carrying out the raid.
Officers found 33 litres of kratom juice ready for sale at the shop. Officers also seized B590 in cash and a B200 banknote, the report said.
The suspect and the confiscated items were taken to Phuket City Police Station for further legal action.
According to the report, the Governor himself stated that the suspect faces two charges: producing and selling food (kratom juice) that is prohibited under the Ministry of Public Health’s regulations, and selling herbal products made from kratom plants without proper registration or declaration under the Herbal Products Act 2019.
The offences are punishable under Section 6(8) and Section 50 of the Food Act B.E. 2522, and Section 58(4) and Section 106 of the Herbal Products Act, he noted.
Governor Suwannarat reiterated Phuket provincial officials’s “unwavering commitment” to suppressing the illegal sale of kratom juice and other harmful substances.
He urged all citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities by calling the Provincial Damrongtham Center 24-hour hotline at 1567.
Of note, local police were not reported as involved in either raid.