Big Joke: E-cigarettes are bad for you and they are illegal

Immigration chief Lt-Gen Surachate Hakparn has responded forcefully to the use of e-cigarettes in Thailand.

Calls to go easy have been ignored and the top cop known as Big Joke has clamped down with a stark message for sellers and users instead.

He told the media at a Ram Inthra market after a series of busts last night:

“Tell the people that e-cigarettes are illegal. And smoking them is bad for your health”.

His short, sharp message was accompanied by giving information about where to find out more. He advised the public to go to his Facebook page, contact the tech police or dial 1155.

Lt-Gen Surachate was speaking after arresting 23 people in raids on 30 shops across the capital last night. 

Nineteen Thais and two each from Myanmar and Laos were nabbed. 

A million baht’s worth of vaping fluid and equipment was seized. 

Those arrested face up to eight charges including selling the merchandise and illegal working. 

The raids came after Maris Karanyawat from the End Cigarette Smoking Thailand Group asked for clarification about the police approach following allegations that a French woman in Phuket was caught up in bribery allegations. 

Thaivisa notes that the message seems to be clear – Thailand is not going easy on e-cigarettes. 

And the most high profile cop in the land is putting his weight behind the enforcement of the law. 

Thai Visa / Thai Rath

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