Bangkok’s port customs have just wrapped up a major week-long operation, pulling in millions of baht worth of illegal imports. According to a local Thai media report from Matichon, officials intercepted a massive haul that includes e-cigarettes, vaping liquids, and nitrous oxide — often called “laughing gas.”
The total estimated value of the seizure? More than 27 million baht, or roughly $831,200 US dollars.
Let’s break down what they actually found
In four separate shipments, all declared vaguely as “miscellaneous goods,” inspectors uncovered 52,000 complete e-cigarettes plus 100 gallons of vape juice. The total weight of e-liquid alone came to about 2,000 kilograms. Officials put the value of this part of the bust at 5.56 million baht (around $171,200).
Why is this such a big deal? Thailand has clear rules on these items. Both e-cigarettes and e-baraku (water pipes for vaping) are on the country’s list of prohibited imports, enforced under the Customs Act of 2017 and a Commerce Ministry announcement dating back to 2014.
But the operation didn’t stop there.
Customs officers also found a staggering 126,226 small bottles of nitrous oxide (N₂O), better known as laughing gas. The street value of this shipment alone is estimated at 21.27 million baht, or roughly $654,800 USD. These goods had entered Thailand without the necessary import permits — a violation that combines the Customs Act, the Drug Act of 1967, and even the Food Act of 1979.
Thanakrit Linthong, director of the Bangkok Port Customs Office, said the operation was a joint effort involving the investigation and suppression unit, customs control, and other port service teams. He made it clear that customs is not letting up anytime soon:
“We will continue to crack down on illegal imports — seriously, strictly, and continuously. We won’t allow these products to reach the public and cause harm.”
So for anyone thinking of sneaking banned vape gear or laughing gas into Thailand, this latest bust sends a pretty clear message. Customs at Bangkok Port is watching closely, and “miscellaneous goods” isn’t going to cut it anymore.