Vape / E-Cigarette → Thailand

Completely banned. Possession carries criminal penalties.

Details

Thailand prohibits the import, sale, and possession of e-cigarettes and vaping devices under the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017) and the Non-Smokers' Health Protection Act. Customs authorities actively confiscate vapes at airports. Penalties range from fines up to 10 times the value of the goods to imprisonment of up to 10 years. Tourists have been arrested and prosecuted. Do not bring any vaping device, e-liquid, or related accessories into Thailand under any circumstances.

Quantity limit

Zero tolerance — any quantity is prohibited

Legal reference

Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 (2017); Non-Smokers' Health Protection Act B.E. 2535

At the airport

1. Do not bring vaping devices to Thailand. If you arrive with one, proceed to the Red Channel (Goods to Declare) at Suvarnabhumi or Don Mueang customs.
2. Declare the item to the customs officer. Do not attempt to conceal it — airport scanners are calibrated to detect vaping devices.
3. The officer will confiscate the device and e-liquid under the Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560. You may be issued a seizure receipt.
4. If you are referred to the customs prosecution unit, a fine of up to 10× the item value or imprisonment of up to 10 years applies. Do not argue; cooperate fully and contact your embassy if detained.

Transit

Transit not permitted. Thailand's Tobacco Products Control Act B.E. 2560 applies to any person within Thai territory regardless of transit status. Thai Customs has confiscated devices from transit passengers at Suvarnabhumi Airport. Do not carry vaping devices through Thailand even in transit.

Practical advice

Leave all vaping equipment at home before travelling to Thailand. Airport scanners routinely flag these items. Even transit passengers have had devices confiscated.

Customs authority

Thai Customs Department · https://www.customs.go.th