Bangkok: Chaiwut Thanakamanusorn, former Minister of Digital Economy and Society, has exposed the ongoing issue of gray business operations and online scams in a recent appearance on the “Colors of Politics: Deng Deng” program. He specifically pointed out the illegal trade of e-cigarettes as a prominent example, noting their widespread availability online and connections to influential figures.

According to Thai News Agency, during his tenure, Chaiwut led efforts to combat illegal online sales by raiding stores, shutting down websites, and prosecuting distributors of e-cigarettes. Despite these actions, the sale of e-cigarettes online has persisted and become normalized in society, underscoring the outdated nature of current laws. This normalization has prompted calls for the government to take decisive action to update the legal framework, closing existing loopholes to prevent easy violations.

Chaiwut has urged the government to consider legalizing e-cigarettes as part of a strategy to enhance tax revenue, eradicate corruption from smuggling and distribution, and impose strict controls on advertising and sales channels to protect minors. A special committee formed by the previous government studied the legal and regulatory measures for e-cigarettes, recommending legal regulation with stringent standards for ingredients and distribution methods. This approach aims to address social concerns, particularly safeguarding children and youth from potential harm.