Why is vaping illegal in Thailand?

Why is vaping illegal in Thailand?

Despite more than a decade of existence, some governments continue to question the effectiveness of vaping. It is worth noting that cigarette smoke contains more than 7,000 chemical substances, and that among these substances, 69 are recognized as carcinogenic.

Conversely, e-liquids for electronic cigarettes contain no substances harmful to health.

Why did the Thai government ban the electronic cigarette?

According to a government representative, the ban was put in place for public health protection reasons, and in particular to prevent young people from subsequently taking up tobacco. A rather paradoxical choice, since on June 9, 2022, Thailand decriminalized cannabis.

What are the penalties?

The Thai government has completely banned the electronic cigarette, including importation, use, and possession, throughout the country, including in public spaces, means of transport, and on the street. This restriction applies not only to residents but also to tourists.

The penalties for vaping vary depending on the situation. There are several possible penalties that can be imposed by the police.

The lightest fine is an amount equivalent to 4 times the value of the vaping equipment, but this requires the police to assess the value of the electronic cigarette.

The other option is a fine of up to €815, which is easier for the police as it can be arbitrary depending on the situation, the officer's mood, or the person arrested.

Finally, you risk a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

It is worth noting that the corruption perception index in the public sector was 64 points in 2022 in Thailand. The scale goes from 0 to 100 — the higher the score, the more widespread the corruption.

The future of vaping in Thailand

The situation is unlikely to improve in the coming months. Indeed, the tobacco industry is owned by the Thai government, so authorizing vaping in Thailand would inevitably have repercussions on the country's finances.

Trinity's advice

Trinity invites you to stay informed about the current situation in the country you wish to travel to, so you can continue vaping in all circumstances.