Karon –
A Thai vendor was arrested after he was found selling e-cigarettes on Karon Beach.
Officials from the Mueang Phuket District Office told the Phuket Express that on Thursday (May 2nd) they arrested a 47-year-old Thai man on Karon Beach. Seized from him was 31 sets of E-cigarettes. The name of the suspect, however, was withheld by Phuket District Officers.
The arrest came after officers received online complaints from concerned citizens. Both Thai and migrant vendors were allegedly selling E-cigarettes near the beach which damages the world class family friendly image of Phuket, according to the tipsters.
The suspect was taken to the Karon Police Station to face charges of violating the ban on the sale of any electronic cigarettes and vaping liquid products, as well as the illegal possession of goods that are untaxed, restricted, or prohibited.
E-cigarettes and vaping are illegal in Thailand since a 2014 crackdown by then ruling military junta. However, in practice, vaping use has risen significantly in recent years, especially amongst Thai youth.
