Thailand Vaping
Think vaping on vacation is harmless? This popular destination could arrest you for it
Travellers heading to Thailand should exercise caution, as electronic cigarettes are completely banned in the popular tourist destination, with violations attracting heavy fines and even jail time.
Sara Green, a tourist who recently visited the country with her partner and children, shared her ordeal after being caught vaping on a beach.
According to media reports, Sara and her partner were using e-cigarettes when authorities informed them that vaping is illegal in Thailand. The couple was subsequently taken to a police station and fined heavily.
“It was a very stressful experience, especially being in a foreign country and not fully understanding what was happening,” the 43-year-old told Yahoo Lifestyle.
“Being taken to the police station was intimidating and made everything feel much more serious,” she added.
The duo was reportedly fined 40,000 Thai Baht, which is roughly AUD$1,778.
Green claimed the police demanded more but settled for the amount after informing the cops about their daily limit for ATM withdrawals.
The duo was warned that if they were caught again then they would be sent to prison for up to five years.
Advisory
The Embassy of Thailand in Stockholm has also issued a clear advisory, warning travellers about the strict ban.
“While electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are used around the world as a way of helping people quit smoking, travellers coming to Thailand should be aware that these devices are illegal in the kingdom,” the embassy said on its website.
It further cautioned that anyone found violating the law—whether a foreigner or a Thai national—could face arrest, imprisonment, or fines amounting to several times the value of the prohibited items.
“There have been recent incidents of foreign travellers who were unaware of the ban facing on-the-spot fines or being arrested,” the statement added.
According to the embassy, the ban, in place since 2014, was introduced for public health reasons, particularly amid concerns that e-cigarettes were encouraging young people to take up smoking.
Authorities have also advised travellers not to carry e-cigarettes, vaping devices, or related items such as e-liquids into the country.
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