Illegal E-Cigarettes Crackdown Takes Place on Bangla Road 

Patong—

Local officials have intensified efforts to restore social order in the province, launching a late-night inspection in Patong’s Bangla Road and surrounding areas to combat the illegal sale of e-cigarettes.

At 9:00 p.m. on Thursday (September 17th), Pol. Lt. Col. Khetarat Chansilp, Deputy Governor of Phuket and Acting Security Advisor to the Ministry of Interior, led a team to investigate popular tourist zones including Patong Beach, Bangla Road, and the area near Jungceylon Mall. The operation followed complaints and intelligence reports alleging widespread illegal distribution of e-cigarettes, as well as suspicions that some state officials may have facilitated such activities.

Authorities divided the operation into three checkpoints:

1. The beachfront area of Patong.
2. Inside Bangla Road.
3. The end of Bangla Road near Jungceylon.

During the sweep, officers seized illegal e-cigarette products and arrested several individuals. Charges were filed under multiple laws, including:

• Customs Act, Section 246 (2017) — prohibiting possession or trade of goods known to be illegally imported.
• Ministry of Commerce Regulation (2014) — banning the import of hookahs and e-cigarettes.
• Consumer Protection Act, Excise Act, and Customs Act — covering offenses related to selling, possessing, or importing untaxed e-cigarette products.