Reminder: Importation of E-Cigarettes and Refills Into Thailand Is Illegal

Source: various

People should be careful about vaping in Thailand. While using e-cigs them selves are not illegal, it is illegal to import e-cigs and e-liquids and you could face up to 5 years in prison for possession and up to 10 year for production and sale and a fine of five times the value of the goods or both.

Apparently there is ‘NO’ law banning the possession of E-cigarettes in Thailand. The problem is due to the fact these products fall into a category of goods that have not been taxed. This means being caught in possession of E-cigarettes is therefore is illegal.

The maximum Five year sentence for possession is linked to the import/export ban, meaning that if you are in possession of a vape device you broke the law. This law has been on the statute since December 2014.

The UK Embassy in Bangkok warns on its travel advise page as following:

“You can’t bring vaporisers, eg, e-cigarettes and e-baraku, and refills into Thailand. These items are likely to be confiscated, and you could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted. The sale or supply of e-cigarettes and similar devices is also banned and you could face a heavy fine or up to 5 years imprisonment if found guilty.”

As it seems, people very rarely get arrested but it is possible. If you get arrested you will most likely just have to pay a fine and possibly have your stuff confiscated, but prison is a possibility. Reports on using them in the country vary but with stories like this and this it’s really not worth the risk.