- Electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are illegal throughout Thailand
- Violators may face jail time or fines several times the value of the confiscated item(s)
- Travellers must not bring vaping products to Thailand under any circumstances
Travelling abroad often comes with learning new cultures, cuisines and customs - but it also means understanding local laws that may be very different from those back home. What is considered harmless or legal in one country could potentially lead to steep fines or even jail time in another. Thailand, one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, has a strict rule that frequently catches international travellers off guard, and the consequences can be serious.
According to official advisories issued by the Embassy of Thailand, electronic cigarettes, commonly known as e-cigarettes or vapes, are illegal in the country. Despite their widespread use in many parts of the world, visitors to Thailand can face arrest, hefty fines or even imprisonment for carrying or using these devices.
Vaping Is Completely Illegal In Thailand
As per the Embassy of Thailand, the import, possession and use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices are prohibited nationwide. This includes all related items such as vape pens, e-liquids, cartridges and accessories.
There have been several recent incidents involving foreign travellers who were unaware of the ban and were either fined on the spot or taken into custody by local authorities.
Also Read: Melbourne Flight Faces Mid-Air Scare After Vape Pen Catches Fire
Fines Could Be More Than Rs 1 Lakh, Jail For 5 Years
According to the Thai Embassy, anyone found violating the ban may face severe penalties, including jail time or fines several times the value of the confiscated item(s). The law applies equally to both Thai citizens and foreign nationals.
As reported by the New York Post, two British holidaymakers were recently fined after being caught vaping on a beach in Thailand. The couple was taken to a local police station and released only after paying a fine of 40,000 Thai Baht, which is approximately Rs 1,15,382. Police officials warned the tourists that repeat offences could lead to up to five years in prison.
Why Has Thailand Banned E-Cigarettes?
Many travellers question why devices marketed as smoking alternatives are banned in Thailand.
The Thai government introduced the ban in 2014. A government spokesperson previously stated that authorities were concerned that electronic cigarettes were encouraging younger people to take up smoking. The ban was implemented as a preventive measure to protect public health.
The Embassy advises all travellers not to bring electronic cigarettes or any vaping-related equipment into Thailand under any circumstances. It has also urged travel agents and tour operators to clearly inform their clients about the ban while promoting Thailand as a destination, to avoid unpleasant surprises during holidays.
Also Read: Planning A Trip To Singapore? These 10 Strange Laws Might Surprise You - And Save You From Trouble
Other Popular Tourist Destinations With Vape Bans
Thailand is among nearly 30 countries worldwide that have completely banned electronic cigarettes:
- Argentina
- Australia
- Brazil
- Brunei
- Cambodia
- Ethiopia
- Gambia
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Kenya
- Kazakhstan
- Kyrgyzstan
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- North Korea
- Oman
- Panama
- Qatar
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Suriname
- Syria
- Thailand
- Turkmenistan
- Uganda
- Uruguay
- Venezuela
- Vietnam
Australia enforces some of the world's strictest anti-vaping laws. Illegal use of vapes can result in prison sentences of up to two years and/or fines of USD 32,000, which is roughly Rs 29.64 lakh.
Some countries impose partial or location-based bans. In Spain, for instance, vaping is prohibited on several public beaches. Tourists violating the ban may be fined up to USD 2,600, approximately Rs 2,40,800.
