Is Vaping Legal In Thailand 2022? Legalities, Fines, and More Info

I have written quite a lot about different laws for tourists in Thailand, but Thailand vaping ban has to be one of the harshest and most confusing ones. There are many reports online of people being fined of up to 500 USD for vaping or even carrying a vaping gear in Thailand.

So, is Vaping legal in Thailand? No. Since 2014 vaping in Thailand is illegal. Getting caught with a vape in Thailand can result in a fine of up to 30 000 Baht that is 945 USD or even a jail sentence of up to 10 years. Thailand vaping ban applies to both vaping and e-cigarettes as well.

There are so many stories and different experiences regarding vaping in Thailand and as it appears there are two truths out there. I know that I just wrote that vaping in Thailand is illegal, but technically there is no law in Thailand that would forbid it.

It is complicated and confusing.

Nevertheless, this article will answer all the questions about vaping ban in Thailand and reveal information that might save you from the penalty about vaping in Thailand.

Vaping in Thailand is not the only thing that can get you in trouble. To avoid silly and costly misunderstandings read my article about safety tips for the first time travelers to Thailand.

 

What Is Thailand Vape Law 2019

When people refer to Thailand vape law or Thailand vape rules they think of restrictions that forbid vaping or smoking e-cigarettes in Thailand.

The truth is that there is no actual law that would forbid vaping in Thailand. 

Thailand vape law forbids the import, export, sale, and possession of any vaping gear in Thailand.

So, how come that tourists, as well as locals, get hefty fines for vaping? In some cases, it is because of some less upstanding Thai policemen using this situation and turning it against people not knowing the rules.

 

When Will Be Vaping Legal In Thailand?

Around July 2019 Thai Knowledge Management Centre (TRC) has to reveal the results of their currently ongoing study about the legal obstacles affecting the implementation of the vaping ban.

They also have to come up with a plan of actions on how to regulate matters towards vaping and e-cigarettes in Thailand.

I should add that it is nowhere mentioned about finally allowing and announcing that is is now legal to vape in Thailand.

Therefore we have to live with two truths for now.

One that allows and one that forbids to vape in Thailand.

Because of many reports about penalties for vaping in Thailand currently, it is safest to say that vaping in Thailand will be illegal for so long until the Thai government figures out how to tax vapes and e-cigarettes, and finally announce that vapers are welcome in their country.

 

Can I Take My Vape To Thailand?

It is safest not to do so although lately there are several reports online about signs informing about vape carrying rules that have appeared at the airports in Thailand.

Basically what those signs say is that you have to carry your e-cigarettes in your hand luggage. So, does that mean that vaping in Thailand is legal!?

Also, the Tourism Authority of Thailand reports that it is legal to bring into Thailand vapes, e-cigarettes, chargers, juice, etc., but for personal use only.

 

Can You Buy Vape In Thailand?

Yes, it is possible to buy vaping gear in Thailand. Especially in such touristy areas like Patong Beach. But it doesn’t mean that it is legal.

There are some reports of vaping gear resellers bribing the policemen to be able to continue with their shady business.

So, yes, you can buy a vape in Thailand, but think twice before doing so.

 

Can You Vape In Thailand?

Now that we know that there is no actual law that forbids vaping in Thailand lets take a look at how to do it safe an how to avoid any unpleasant misunderstandings.

As many vapers advise when in Thailand it is better to vape when in private. For example in your hotel room or Airbnb. This article is written by thailandtravelessentials.com

You should also avoid vaping in areas where many people gather. For example in the city center and other busy areas. Many refer to Bangkok as a city that is super non-friendly to vapers and e-cigarette smokers.

The top recommendation is to do it discreetly and by respecting other people who might not like it. Better to do it when no one is around.

But to avoid getting yourself into big trouble – paying a fine or getting arrested, you should avoid vaping in these public areas:

• Temples
• Airports
• Public transport
• Public parks
• Shopping malls
• Beaches

You get the idea – no vaping nor the smoking in public areas. In many of these areas, there are signs that forbid smoking, and also vapers and e-cigarette smokers should respect those signs.

Be careful and look for no smoking signs on many beaches. Vaping on the beach could get you in some serious trouble.

Note that as of February 2019 Suvarnabhumi International Airport (BKK) is a no smoking zone. There are no more smoking booths inside the airport and to have a smoke you will have to go outside the airport and look for a smoking designated areas there.

 

What Is The Penalty For Vaping In Thailand?

The penalties for smoking a vape in Thailand may differ, and there are no guidelines that would make it possible to understand under what circumstances what penalties should be applied. Of course, for Thai authorities, it leaves room for improvisation.

As people have had different fines for smoking or carrying a vape or an e-cigarette in Thailand, it is difficult to understand and estimate the real consequences for breaking this Thai law.

It is safest to say that the fine will depend on the situation.

Here is the list of possible fines for vaping in Thailand:

• Fine 4 times the value of the vaping equipment
• Fine of  up to 30 000 Baht (945 USD, 843 EUR, 720 GBP)
• Fine  of up to 100 000 Baht (3 152USD, 2 813 EUR, 2 403 GBP)
• Fine of up to 1 year in jail
• Fine of up to 10 years in jail

Fine 4 times the value of the vaping equipment

It is the less painful penalty for vaping in Thailand, and it can be applied either for vaping or carrying a vape.

There are some reports of Thai policemen researching scooters and cars and applying penalties for vaping equipment that is found in the glove compartment.

 

Fine of  up to 30 000 Baht (945 USD, 843 EUR, 720 GBP)

It is the most often mentioned penalty for vaping or smoking an e-cigarette in Thailand. Basically, those are various Thai government websites and Thai newspapers.

People online (TripAdvisor, Reddit, YouTube) mention smaller amounts that have to be paid if caught breaking the law – somewhere between 300 USD and 500 USD.

 

Fine of up to 100 000 Baht (3 152USD, 2 813 EUR, 2 403 GBP)

This one and the next one goes hand in hand with the Thai smoking ban. I have a separate article about it HERE.

Fine of 100 000 Baht or a jail sentence of up to 1 year can be applied for vaping in areas where it is forbidden to do that – public parks, shopping malls, metro, etc., and where there are clear signs prohibiting it.

 

Fine of up to 1 year in jail

This one is for the same as the previous one – for vaping or smoking an e-cigarette in public spaces.

 

Fine of up to 10 years in jail

Fine of up to 10 years in jail awaits those who plan to import vaping gear into Thailand to resell it.

 

Where To Buy Vape In Bangkok?

I wrote this article to help you to stay away from trouble in Thailand not to promote any vape shops in Thailand.

But by doing this research, I found a forum that covers various topics regarding vaping in Thailand. It is called Thailand Vapers, and you can visit it HERE.

 

Related Questions

Can you take electronic cigarettes to Thailand? It is not advised to do so, because all the information mentioned above applies to e-cigarettes as well. To avoid any incidents you should avoid bringing into Thailand any e-cigarettes and their gear.

Now that you know that vaping in Thailand is illegal I would like to introduce you with an info product that I have put together for first-time travelers to Thailand. It includes pro tips about staying safe in Thailand, avoiding getting scammed and others.

To be honest, it is the information I wish I had before my trip to Thailand.

Get it HERE.