Tax-evaded cigarettes worth 70 million seized in Kanchanaburi

Khaosod•Society•2h ago

Reader Briefing

Authorities seized tax-evaded cigarettes worth over 70 million baht and arrested two suspects in Kanchanaburi province.

•Authorities arrested two suspects and seized 150 cartons of KRONG THIP cigarettes on July 18, 2026.
•The contraband was transported in two closed-box pickup trucks from Sangkhla Buri District to be delivered to Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
•The seizure operation was led by Maj. Gen. Natthapong Aswinwong and involved multiple military and police units.

•On July 18, 2026, at approximately 20:30, authorities intercepted two target vehicles at a permanent checkpoint in Sai Yok District.
•Maj. Gen. Natthapong Aswinwong ordered Col. Sarayuth Sornlum and Col. Jenyuth Prasertpongthorn to coordinate with Kanchanaburi Provincial Police and related agencies to conduct the interception.
•Authorities seized 150 cartons of KRONG THIP (Krong Thip 90) cigarettes, two closed-box pickup trucks, and three mobile phones, with a total estimated value of over 70 million baht.
•The cigarettes were marked "FOR EXPORT ONLY," meaning they were tax-exempt and prohibited from sale within Thailand.
•During the preliminary investigation, the two suspects confessed to being hired to transport the cartons from a warehouse in Sangkhla Buri District to a warehouse in Wang Noi District, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province.
•The two suspects were charged with possession and possession for sale of tax-exempt goods without right under the Excise Act 2017.
•The suspects and seized evidence were handed over to the Sai Yok Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Natthapong Aswinwong(ณัฏฐพงศ์ อัศวินวงศ์)

Major General and Commander of the 9th Infantry Division who ordered the interception operation.

Sarayuth Sornlum(สรายุทธ ศรลัมพ์)

Colonel and Commander of the Lat Ya Special Task Force, Surasee Force.

Jenyuth Prasertpongthorn(เจนยุทธ ประเสริฐพงศ์ธร)

Colonel and Deputy Commander of the Lat Ya Special Task Force.

9th Infantry Division(กองพลทหารราบที่ 9)

The military unit commanded by Maj. Gen. Natthapong Aswinwong.

Lat Ya Special Task Force(หน่วยเฉพาะกิจลาดหญ้า)

The special task force involved in the interception operation.

Surasee Force(กองกำลังสุรสีห์)

The military force to which the Lat Ya Special Task Force belongs.

Kanchanaburi Provincial Police(ตำรวจภูธรจังหวัดกาญจนบุรี)

The police agency that collaborated in the seizure operation.

Sai Yok Police Station(สภ.ไทรโยค)

The police station where suspects and evidence were sent for legal action.

Sangkhla Buri(สังขละบุรี)

The district in Kanchanaburi Province where the cigarettes were transported from.

Kanchanaburi(กาญจนบุรี)ℹ️

The province where the smuggling operation was intercepted.

Sai Yok(ไทรโยค)

The district where the permanent checkpoint and police station are located.

Ayutthaya(อยุธยา)

The destination province for the smuggled cigarettes.

Wang Noi(วังน้อย)ℹ️

The district in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province where the delivery warehouse was located.

Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya(พระนครศรีอยุธยา)

The province serving as the destination for the contraband.

Excise Act 2017(พระราชบัญญัติสรรพสามิต พ.ศ. 2560)

The law used to charge the suspects for possession of tax-exempt goods without right.