Bangkok: Police open "E-cigarette Center" - Minister Supamas attends meeting to provide integrated guidelines in accordance with government policy - Pol. Gen. Nirandon responds by ordering all units to conduct nationwide arrests.
According to Thai News Agency, the inaugural meeting of the Electronic Cigarette Prevention and Suppression Center (ECPSC) for 2026 was held at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters. The meeting was led by Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, who oversees electronic cigarette prevention and suppression efforts, alongside Pol. Gen. Nirandon Lueamsri, Deputy Commissioner General of the Royal Thai Police and Director of the ECPSC. High-ranking officials, including Mr. Pradermchai Boonchuaylue, Dr. Patcharin Samsiripong, and Pol. Lt. Gen. Krisada Kanjanlongkorn, also participated in the meeting, which took place at the Royal Thai Police Operations Center and was accessible via electronic media across the nation.
Prior to the meeting, Ms. Supamas Isarabhakdi and Pol. Gen. Nirandon Lueamsri presented certificates of appreciation and awards to seven police officers for their achievements in combating electronic cigarette trafficking. This initiative was aimed at encouraging and motivating those involved in the suppression efforts.
Ms. Supamas emphasized that the government prioritizes addressing the spread of e-cigarettes, especially among children and youth, under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's leadership. She highlighted that the e-cigarette issue extends beyond public health, posing social and security challenges. The Minister urged all relevant agencies to collaborate decisively and continuously to prevent and suppress e-cigarette use, providing policy guidelines for their efforts.
The meeting outlined three strategic approaches: protecting the nation's future by monitoring high-risk areas and strengthening youth resilience, dismantling networks by investigating major offenders, and enhancing online suppression to block e-cigarette sales. Ms. Suphamas proposed establishing a National E-cigarette Committee and launching an e-cigarette-free school project in nine provinces to raise awareness about e-cigarette dangers.
Pol. Gen. Nirandon ordered all police units to investigate and arrest major networks involved in e-cigarette production and distribution, aiming to disrupt the trade. Efforts include targeting illegal imports of substances like ethomidate used in e-cigarettes. Coordination with the Office of the Narcotics Control Board and the Customs Department is mandated.
The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau is tasked with blocking e-cigarette advertisements on various platforms. Police stations are required to database targets, monitor high-risk areas, and ensure schools and institutions remain e-cigarette-free. Arrests will follow standard procedures, applying all relevant laws and financial transaction investigations to prosecute network members.
The nationwide crackdown from July 1st to 15th, 2026, will address offenses related to e-cigarettes and smuggled cigarettes. The results of this crackdown will be announced later by the Anti-Trafficking in Cigarettes Center of the Royal Thai Police.
Pol. Gen. Nirandon encouraged the public to report illegal e-cigarette activities or suspicious production sites to the Anti-E-Cigarette Center via hotline 1599 or the Police Care application, available 24/7.