Bangkok: The government is intensifying its crackdown on smuggled cigarettes in the southern border region, resulting in the seizure of over 2.2 million cigarettes and the imposition of fines exceeding 100 million baht.
According to Thai News Agency, Ms. Ploytalay Laksmisangchan, Deputy Spokesperson for the Prime Minister's Office, emphasized that the government is committed to the prevention and suppression of illegal goods. She highlighted the need for intensified investigations, surveillance, and suppression of the smuggling and sale of tax-evading goods. These measures are part of a directive from Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Anutin Charnvirakul, aimed at ensuring proactive measures and decisive law enforcement.
Ms. Ploytalay noted that the southern border provinces have been significantly affected by the smuggling of illegal cigarettes, which impacts the economy, government revenue, and fair trade practices. The government's strict policies and proactive suppression measures, supported by integrated efforts from security and administrative sectors, have been successful. These efforts include intelligence sharing and operations to enhance the interception of illegal smuggling from source to destination. The results in 14 southern provinces include the arrest of suspects and the seizure of 117,820 packs, equivalent to 2,289,000 cigarettes, of untaxed foreign cigarettes. This translates to an estimated excise tax of 7,095,966 baht and an estimated fine of 106,439,490 baht. The charges involve possession of untaxed goods for sale, and the suspects and seized items have been handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.
Ms. Ploytalay reiterated the government's commitment to proactively cracking down on smuggling by integrating the efforts of relevant agencies. This is aimed at preventing smuggling rings from exploiting high-risk areas along the southern border as routes and transit points for distributing goods into the country. The government will continue to enhance its suppression efforts to intercept smuggling and the sale of illegal goods from the point of origin to the final destination. This ensures fairness in the tax system, protects citizens from illegal goods, and fully safeguards the interests of the state.