E-cigarettes in Thailand: Is it risky to bring one through customs?

Hey everyone! Apparently, e-cigarettes are banned in Thailand. But... can you still get through customs with one in your suitcase, just to vape indoors at your hotel or accommodation? Thanks

The answer is simply: will you be lucky enough not to get caught?

I think there’s little risk, but it’ll cost you if you do get caught.

There have already been fines and even prison sentences.

You could also just buy one there if needed.

Thanks for your reply, I think it’s wiser to buy one there instead.

Hi,

On topics like this, it’s often hard to find the right balance between real risk and perceived risk. Do you have any documented references of foreign travelers being seriously fined—or worse—for having a single personal e-cigarette in their luggage?

Michel

Hi,

That’s it! Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand. - กระทรวงสาธารณสุข ประกาศห้ามนำเข้าและจำหน่ายบุหรี่ไฟฟ้า

Check out this old topic maybe?

Thanks for this logistical support—it’s saving me a ton of time. 🙂

Hi Joel,

I find that the article, aside from coming from a press I have no trust in, isn’t very enlightening, and the discussion leaves more confusion and vagueness than clarity. You can tell there’s something else between the lines. In any case, it’s not at all an example of luggage being thoroughly searched upon arrival.

Michel

Hi there, On the Thai embassy’s website in Paris, there’s a notice that’s been up for a long time stating that e-cigarettes are banned in Thailand. So, everyone makes their own choices, but just so you know—even though you’ll see street stalls selling refills for all kinds of e-cigarettes, the consequences of getting caught can be serious, especially for foreigners.

PS: In checked luggage, avoid packing lighters, e-cigarettes, and batteries.

Hi,

The statement on the embassy’s website sounds a bit off—let’s just say it feels like a potential pretext to cause trouble for reasons that might be unrelated. You’re absolutely right to flag it and warn travelers, of course.

Michel

Hi there, The information published on the website of the **Thai Embassy in Paris** is official and reliable. Unlike what you might find on some forums or Facebook pages. Don’t forget that the **Thai Embassy in Paris** is the official representative of the Thai government in France, so it should be taken seriously.

Yeah, I get it, but this ad sounds fishy to me. Not sincere and too vague. Possession? 🤨 Use? 😅 Are bags often searched when entering Thailand?

Michel

There’s currently a debate in the country about this ban, which doesn’t seem justified. The reasoning behind it is supposedly to support local tobacco producers.

In my opinion, you’re unlikely to run into trouble if you bring them in your luggage. Until the day you do...

Most of the time, Thais aren’t penalized for it, but foreigners are. Enough to whine about a little...

Hi there, Just to share, In the evening, in some neighborhoods, there are e-cigarette stands open, with a huge selection of small tanks and various flavors. At one point, I even saw a police officer buying some. As for the fact that foreigners are often more targeted than locals, you can see this with scooters, especially on Beach Road (Pattaya), where only foreigners are stopped for checks. We’re in Thailand!

Recent news on the topic:

https://www.khaosodenglish.com/politics/2025/03/18/pm-paetongtarn-leads-nationwide-war-on-e-cigarettes/

:) It’s keeping the BIB busy for now:

Hello,

Still playing Russian roulette with advice, I see.

I wouldn’t take the chance in Thailand. Nor in Russia, for that matter...

There are tons of threads on the same topic suggested below this one! 😉

There are plenty of threads on the same topic suggested below this one! 😉

You’re right to bring it up. Browsing through them, you’ll see the complexity that came up in this discussion: in Thailand, travelers can face quite a few uncertainties, with rules that can suddenly be enforced depending on the context—even for things that seem harmless on the surface. Including this whole vaping issue.

Michel

An article I read today online says, and I quote: "Following the Thai government's recent decision to crack down on e-cigarettes and vapes, anyone caught with these illegal items could face up to five years in prison and a hefty fine.

Residents are also encouraged to report vape users or sellers through an official mobile app."

Article from today online, I quote: "Following the Thai government's recent decision to crack down on e-cigarettes or vapes, anyone caught in possession of these illegal items could face up to five years in prison and a heavy fine.

Residents are also encouraged to report vape users or sellers via an official mobile app."

Hi there, In my opinion, it's best to quit smoking altogether. It's harmful to your health and risks affecting other forum members after reading your posts about negative information.

Try to be courteous, even if you can't be friendly, and if the message doesn’t suit you, don’t take it out on the messenger.

Here’s a link to another article, published yesterday and written by a Thai journalist: https://thethaiger.com/news/national/thailand-offers-rewards-for-reporting-e-cigarette-sellers-and-users

You can always write to her to suggest she take a look if you think she’s also got issues with smoking.

Hello, I don’t see how I wasn’t courteous, let alone unfriendly. I replied to your post, which seemed completely over the top to me. If you don’t like my response, that’s not my concern. You’ve got to own it. Your copy-pasted journalist articles aren’t my cup of tea. And I don’t see why I’d respond to them.