Leave the vape at home

Thailand bans vapes. Tourists aren't exempt. As of October 2026, importing e-cigarettes is banned, so bringing one in is a customs offence, even by accident. The law allows a fine of four times its value, up to ten years in prison, or both. Buying, owning or using one here is illegal too. UK travel advice says fines are typically 5,000 to 30,000 baht, and a traveller may have to stay until the case is closed. From October to mid-February, customs seized more than 200,000. We tell you everything you need to know about Bangkok. Follow for more!

As of October 2026, Thailand bans importing e-cigarettes, and owning or using one is illegal too. Under customs law, bringing one in can mean a fine of four times its value, prison, or both; UK travel advice says fines are typically 5,000–30,000 baht.

• Importing e-cigarettes into Thailand is banned under Commerce Ministry rules, and selling them has been banned since 2015 (The Nation, 2026; Consumer Protection Board order 9/2558).
• UK and Canadian travel advice (September 2026): possessing or using a vape, e-cigarette, pod, e-liquid or heat-not-burn device is illegal, with no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
• Under the Customs Act 2017 (section 242), bringing in goods that have not passed through customs can mean up to 10 years in prison, a fine of four times the goods' value including duty, or both; the goods are forfeited. Section 252 makes the offence apply even without intent.
• Customs can settle a case with a fine instead of prosecuting (section 256). UK travel advice says fines are typically 5,000–30,000 baht, and a traveller may have to stay in Thailand until the case is finalised.
• Between October 2025 and mid-February 2026, Thai Customs seized 205,445 e-cigarette units (The Nation, 19 February 2026).

Survive Bangkok · as of October 2026
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Sources:
– UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Thailand travel advice, Safety and security (updated 28 September 2026): https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/thailand/safety-and-security
– Government of Canada: Travel advice and advisories for Thailand (updated 22 September 2026): https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/thailand
– Thailand Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017), unofficial English translation by the Customs Department: https://www.customs.go.th/data_files/9b58e9c383e05163c0223e8e2e7e6991.pdf
– The Nation (19 February 2026): Thai Customs Seizes Over THB169m in Contraband Cigarettes and Vapes as Smugglers Turn to ‘Ant-Worker’ Tactics: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/general/40062720
– Consumer Protection Board order 9/2558 (28 January 2015; Royal Gazette, 18 February 2015): ban on selling or providing hookahs, e-hookahs or e-cigarettes and their refills: https://www.ocpb.go.th/download/law/2034052.pdf
– TAT Newsroom (22 September 2017): Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand: https://www.tatnews.org/electronic-cigarettes-are-illegal-in-thailand/

Facts and sources: https://soibysoi.com/episodes/leave-the-vape-at-home

Rules as of October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
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