Electronic cigarettes still illegal in Thailand in 2023

Vapers are not welcome in the Land of Smiles, which officially banned e-cigarettes in Thailand in 2014.

It should be noted that if the electronic cigarette is still illegal in 2023, it seems that the Thai police have received instructions not to punish the many tourists who visit the country without knowing this strange law currently applied in only 14 countries of the world.

Some arrests have indeed tarnished the country's tourist image, such as that of a young French woman who spent 4 days in Thailand's terrible prisons in April 2019 just because she was, like many people, unaware of this law.

See : E-cigarette banned in Thailand: French woman ends up in jail

Since then, there have been many testimonies from foreign tourists who have smoked throughout their trips, without hiding, because they were not aware of this law, and who have not had any problems.

One traveller even told of vaping in front of a police officer who was asked about an itinerary without knowing that it was forbidden and without being fined or warned that he should not vapourise in the country.

Nevertheless, the risk of getting a large fine or days in jail is always there, you will be vaping at your own risk.

Update as of 31 January 2023: A Taiwanese actress had to pay 27,000 baht (758.83 euros) in bribes to avoid being arrested for possession of electronic cigarettes, see :

Thai police admit to extorting money from Taiwanese actress

E-cig in Thailand, what are the penalties?

Failure to comply with the ban can result in severe penalties.

The mere possession of an electronic cigarette can be punishable by a fine of up to 100,000 baht (2,806 euros).

But in general, the fine is 20,000 baht (about 561 euros).

Your equipment can be confiscated and you can face up to ten years in prison.

This applies to both foreigners and Thais.

"Enjoy your holiday in Thailand, but leave the electronic cigarettes at home. They are illegal here.

An article from TAT, the Tourism Authority of Thailand from 22 September 2017, but still relevant in September 2022:

While electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are used around the world to help people quit smoking, travellers to Thailand should be aware that these devices are actually illegal in the kingdom.

Why ban electronic cigarettes in Thailand?

Many may wonder why a device designed to help people quit smoking is banned.

A government spokesman said the ban was introduced for health reasons and was initially suggested because electronic cigarettes were attracting young people into smoking.

Thailand's e-cigarette ban has been in place since 2014

Thus, people who wish to travel to Thailand are asked not to bring electronic cigarettes, or any items or materials associated with electronic cigarettes; such as the liquids used in the device.

Similarly, travel agents or tour operators selling destinations should ensure that their customers are aware of the e-cigarette ban in Thailand.

A ban to protect citizens or for big money?

For many Thais and travellers interviewed on this subject, the reason for the ban is that many of the politicians who advocate the ban are corrupted by the powerful tobacco industry.

Personal note (PierreTo): I stopped smoking more than 3 years ago, and before I stopped smoking, I had switched to electronic cigarettes.

I think this law is unfair, but I have to admit that whenever I was talking to Thai friends with my two e-cigarettes, there were always people asking me for one and it was passed from mouth to mouth, and even non-smokers wanted to try it.

Source: tatnews.org