Chiang Rai: Operation 'Chiang Rai Fa Sai' was initiated to dismantle an online e-cigarette shop located in the city center, leading to the arrest of two individuals and the seizure of over 300 items of evidence. The operation targeted a store operating out of a rented dormitory room near Mae Fah Luang University, which was supplying e-cigarettes across various regions.
According to Thai News Agency, the raid was conducted by Chiang Rai provincial administration officials and police officers from Ban Du Police Station. They apprehended Ms. Darinee, age 21, and Mr. Pramin, age 18, who were administering the online sale and delivery of e-cigarettes. A total of 383 items were seized during the operation. The suspects confessed that they received payment of 450 baht per day for their roles, primarily serving students and youths in Muang Chiang Rai District, with the business generating approximately 20,000 baht daily.
The operation aligns with the broader efforts led by Ms. Jiraporn Sindhuphrai, Minister to the Prime Minister's Office, to curb the sale of e-cigarettes. A recent meeting chaired by Ms. Sindhuphrai addressed strategies to suppress e-cigarette sales at borders, in shops, and online. The initiative also focuses on raising public awareness through various activities, following directives from the Prime Minister.
The meeting also reviewed statistics on arrests and offenses related to e-cigarettes from February 26, 2025, to May 15, 2025. During this period, there were 2,592 arrests and the seizure of 1,697,550 pieces of evidence, valued at over 554 million baht. The "Tang Rat" application reported 8,480 cases between March 19, 2025, and April 15, with 19 arrests and 4,338 cases ongoing. From April 16, 2025, to May 14, 2025, 5,951 cases were reported, and 14,431 cases are currently in progress.