Thailand: e-cigarette users risk 5 years in prison

Tourists who use electronic cigarettes are now in danger in Thailand, where they could face up to 5 years in prison.

The kingdom has stepped up its fight against vaping and is now offering substantial bonuses to people who report users or sellers of electronic cigarettes.

Many tourists bring their electronic cigarettes to Thailand, and some who were unaware of the law have ended up in Thailand's terrible prisons.

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

Corrupt police officers used this law to enrich themselves and after several cases that tarnished Thailand's image, the country focused on sellers rather than consumers.

See : Tourists extorted €838 in Thailand because of their e-cigarettes

However, the current government has decided to step up the crackdown on electronic cigarettes, which means that the country is once again becoming dangerous for all travellers who vapotage.

Big rewards for whistleblowers

Whistleblowing can be done via the Thang Rath mobile app and offers lucrative rewards to whistleblowers, who will be able to pocket 60 % of fines inflicted on suspects.

Those who provide information leading to an arrest can earn a significant share of the fines.

For example, people caught carrying or smoking electronic cigarettes in public are liable to a fine of 5,000 baht (€136.82), which means that informers could pocket up to 3,000 baht (€82).

In addition, the civil servants concerned will also receive bonuses for their role in law enforcement.

This last measure has surely been put in place to avoid new cases of corruption, because very often, when a person is arrested by police officers in the country, they have the choice between paying a bribe or risking a fine and imprisonment.

Whistleblowers are encouraged to provide photographic evidence when reporting suspected sellers or users, although they may remain anonymous.

According to the government, this initiative is designed to make it easier for the public to help the authorities in their efforts to combat the illegal sale and use of electronic cigarettes.

Repression to protect minors?

The government claims it is doing this to protect minors, who are using e-cigarettes in increasing numbers, but they are targeting all users, even those who have switched to vape to stop smoking, and tobacco sales are still permitted in the country.

"We want to combat the growing popularity of electronic cigarettes among young people," said a spokesperson from the Prime Minister's office.

See : In Thailand, children spend 755 euros a year on electronic cigarettes

It remains to be seen whether young people who have become addicted to nicotine will turn to traditional cigarettes, which are more readily available.

And we still don't know what the punishment will be for minors caught with electronic cigarettes.

Tough fines will force vapers to switch back to traditional cigarettes

This crackdown is likely to be a blow to international tourism and will enable tobacco sellers to make a profit.

See : Thailand bans e-cigarettes to protect its tobacco growers

People caught selling or possessing electronic cigarettes with the intention of selling them will be severely punished.

Offenders risk up to five years' imprisonment and a fine of up to four times the value of the products in their possession.

Smugglers caught illegally transporting e-cigarettes face even harsher penalties, with sentences of up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to five times the value of the contraband.

With such generous rewards, this new policy is bound to encourage greater public participation in the fight against electronic cigarettes.

It is becoming important for embassies, travel agencies and airline ticket vendors to alert travellers to the dangers of using electronic cigarettes.

Source: toutelathailande.co.uk