Police in Banglamung, Chon Buri, arrested a 50-year-old woman during a raid on a residence in Soi Thung Klom-Tal Man 29 . The operation, carried out by Deputy Superintendent Pol Lt Col Thana Wisetchai and Investigation Chief Pol Lt Col Suphat Sutsong, led to the arrest of Hathaithip “Thai” Rueangkham and the seizure of 62 disposable e-cigarettes branded as COKE TIN.
During questioning, Hathaithip claimed she did not obtain the vapes through an organized smuggling network. Instead, she alleged they were given to her by a scavenger who owed her 3,000 baht (US$92). According to her account, the scavenger said the vapes had been discarded by Chinese nationals under a motorway bridge.
Despite acknowledging that selling the vapes was illegal, Hathaithip admitted she resold them to teenagers for 50 baht (US$1.50) each to make a profit. Police, however, dismissed her explanation, noting that the vapes were in pristine condition and in sufficient quantity to suggest direct illegal importation.
Authorities conducted a drug test, which returned positive results for a Category 1 narcotic. Hathaithip was subsequently charged under Section 246 of the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017) for concealing, selling, or possessing smuggled goods. She also faces charges for the illegal consumption of narcotics.
Police confirmed that she remains in custody and is now in the hands of investigators as legal proceedings move forward. The case highlights ongoing concerns about the sale of illegal vaping products to minors in Thailand, alongside the broader issue of drug use.
