While e-cigarettes are used around the world as a way to help people quit smoking, travelers to Thailand should be aware that the devices are illegal in the kingdom.
Anyone found to be breaking this law by using an e-cigarette or vaping in Thailand can be arrested, jailed, and fined several times the value of the illegal item. This applies to both foreigners and Thais. There have been recent incidents involving foreign travelers who were unaware of the ban, resulting in fines and arrests.
Many may ask: "Why is a device designed to help people quit smoking being banned?" A government spokesman said the ban was originally proposed because e-cigarettes were luring young people into smoking. The law has been in place since 2014.
Therefore, travelers to Thailand are advised not to bring any e-cigarettes or any items or equipment related to e-cigarettes, such as the liquid used in the device. Likewise, travel agents or tour operators selling tours to Thailand should ensure that their customers are aware of the ban on e-cigarettes.
