As a traveler, you must know some regulations in other countries for you not to get into trouble. The Thai government has banned e-cigarettes throughout the country, including tourist areas. If you are planning a trip to Thailand, make sure you read carefully the information about E-cigarettes in Thailand.
E-cigarettes
The so-called electronic cigarettes, or vapes, are primitive vaporizing devices that heat and vaporize nicotine-containing liquid, converting it into an analogue of tobacco smoke. According to tobacco companies and advocates of such devices, vaping is less harmful to the health of smokers, does not harm others and helps to fight smoking by reducing the number of people who smoke tobacco.
The opposite opinion prevails among scientists and the information that electronic cigarettes are harmless is not taken into account in Thailand. The Thai government is seriously concerned about the health of its citizens.
Ban of e-cigarettes in Thailand
Since its discovery and development, e-cigarettes are increasingly in demand among smokers. Smoking is dangerous to health, and e-cigarettes may be a less dangerous solution but it's not considered like that in Thailand.
In 2014, Thailand has implemented laws that make all forms of e-cigarettes illegal. The import, possession and sale of e-cigarettes and related liquids is strictly prohibited. Unfortunately, this kind of regulation doesn’t seem to be socialized well so that many parties do not know about it, especially it can be said about foreigners traveling to Thailand. You need to think carefully before taking your e-cigarette with you on your holiday to Thailand.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports of Thailand recommends that travel companies make sure their clients are aware of these regulations, as well as the existing restrictive measures against tobacco smoking in Thailand.
Punishment for using e-cigarette
If you are caught in customs or in the area, the e-cigarette and liquid will be confiscated and you will be fined. You risk being arrested in the process, and imprisonment ranging from 5 years to 10 years can also be considered. The severity of the punishment might depend on the place where the smoker was caught - in a quiet corner or in the middle of a crowded street.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs warns as follows:
E-cigarettes, E-liquid and hookahs are not allowed in Thailand. These items are likely to be confiscated on arrival and there is a risk of a fine or imprisonment for up to 10 years if found guilty. The sale or supply of E-cigarettes, E-liquids and hookahs is also prohibited, and you can risk a large fine or up to 5 years in prison if found guilty.
If you are a fan of e-cigarettes and are going on take a trip to Thailand, make sure you leave it at home rather than making it an obstacle to your journey.
Anti-smoking regulations
In addition, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) reminds visitors avoid smoking in Thailand in general. This is done to support anti-smoking policies (including e-cigarettes or shisha) in public areas, particularly in airport areas, sports complexes, theme parks, markets, beaches and national tourist attractions. Anti-smoking regulations have been introduced to the public since 2014 by the Thai government for health reasons. This policy exists to create a safe, clean and smoke-free environment for everyone.
Some of Thailand anti-smoking regulations you should be aware of:
With a decision taken in November 2017, effective from the beginning of 2018 (in some regions as of December 2017), smoking was banned on 24 beaches in Thailand tourist areas such as Koh Samui, Pattaya, Phuket, Hua Hin, Chonburi and Songkhla, meaning that smoking of all kinds of cigarettes and tobacco products, including cigarettes, is prohibited on these beaches. It has been announced that those who do not comply with the said prohibition can be fined up to 100,000 THB (approximately 3000 USD) and / or imprisonment up to one (1) year.
Bringing more than 200 cigarettes (10 packs) per person is not allowed when traveling to Thailand.
It should also be noted that since February 2019, six airports in Thailand managed by the Airports of Thailand (AOT) no longer have designated smoking zones in the terminal. The six airports are Suvarnabhumi Airport, Don Mueang Airport, Phuket Airport, Chiang Mai Airport, Hat Yai Airport, and Mae Fah Luang Airport in Chiang Rai. Smokers can only smoke in the areas outside the terminal designated by the AOT.
All these prohibitions did not affect the availability of traditional tobacco products as you can buy cigarettes in almost any Thai supermarket or even 7-eleven. However, if you are proven to be smoking in a restricted area, you will be subject to a fine of up to 100,000 THB or imprisoned for up to one year. The main thing is to smoke them only in a specially designated place.
In any case, when going to Thailand, it is better to take into account all these prohibitions and not to come into conflict with officers.