Illegal Cigarettes: Proposals For Policy Measures To Solve Smuggling Imported by Thai-Cambodian Border In The Eastern Provinces

Abstract

          This research aimed to study the problem situations guidelines and measures to solve the smuggling of illegal cigarettes imported through the Thai-Cambodian border in the eastern provinces. The research methodology was instigated research between qualitative methods was data collection was conducted using both general and in-depth interview, triangular data validation and data analysis and quantitative research was questionnaire. The research found that the problem situations, perception levels and consumption behavior of imported smuggled cigarettes were agreed. The forms of illegal cigarette smuggling were:- army ants smuggling, duty-free and retail shops in the Thai border area, large cross-border cart transportation, sea by fishing boat. Factors of illegal cigarette smuggling were:- the domestic tax’s cigarette structure, economic and political changes within Cambodia, channels along the border, people's perceptions and beliefs about smuggling, the benefit-returned on smuggled cigarette was higher than the punishment, law enforcement of both Thai and Cambodian government officials and the expansion of demand for cheap cigarettes. The solutions to the illegal smuggling of cigarettes on the three border areas are consistent such as, role of schools, community leaders and local government organizations, community and international network building, exchanging knowledge among communities, local participation process, religious and the creation of measures and mechanisms in political, social, tax and law.