Vaping, Smoking and Tobacco Rules in Phuket

E-cigarettes and vapes are banned

Thailand has banned electronic cigarettes since 2014. The ban covers import, sale, possession and use, and it extends to pods, e-liquids and similar devices. Embassies warn travellers that devices may be confiscated at the airport and that offenders can be arrested.

• Importing e-cigarettes can carry a heavy fine and long prison sentence under the Customs Act, and one legal guide gives up to 10 years and 500,000 baht as the maximum.
• Selling them is also prohibited, with a maximum quoted at 5 years and 500,000 baht.
• Reported fines for simple possession or use in practice are much lower, with one report quoting 5,000 to 30,000 baht, plus confiscation and possible detention.

Do not bring a vape to Thailand, do not buy one from a street seller, and do not assume that being on holiday protects you.

The beach smoking ban

Smoking is banned on a list of designated tourist beaches, including Patong Beach in Phuket, with smoking areas set aside along the boardwalk. Officials have said vaping counts as smoking under the beach rule. Offenders can face fines of up to 100,000 baht or up to a year in prison under the regulation, and littering on the protected beaches carries the same penalties. In practice, enforcement focuses on tourist beaches, and fines are often lower at first.

Even where smoking is not banned, use the bins for cigarette butts, and see the beach safety guide for other beach rules.

Cigarettes and other tobacco

• A traveller may import a limited amount of duty-free cigarettes, and sources quote 200 cigarettes, or one carton. More attracts duty and a fine per excess pack.
• Cigarettes carry graphic warnings and plain packs, and shops cannot display them openly.
• Smoking is banned in many indoor and public places, including air-conditioned restaurants, malls, airports and public transport. Bars and some outdoor venues have designated smoking areas.
• The legal age to buy tobacco is 20.

Smoking in a rented home may be restricted by your contract. See the renting guide.

Quitting and alternatives

Pharmacies and hospital pharmacies sell nicotine patches and gum, and doctors can help with prescription options. Ask your doctor about what is available locally, and see the health and insurance guide for how hospitals work. If you take other medicines, check for interactions.

If you are stopped

• Stay calm, be polite and do not offer cash to an officer. See the scams guide for fake fines.
• Ask for the official paperwork and a receipt for any fine.
• Contact your embassy if you are detained, and the legal help guide explains how to find a lawyer.
• For related rules, see the cannabis guide and the alcohol and nightlife guide.