Smoking or vaping in Thailand: The rules on smoking in Thailand are becoming increasingly strict – for example, smoking is being gradually banned on all beaches – and few people know that e-cigarettes are illegal in Thailand (see below).

Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand. The ban covers both their use and importation into Thailand, even for personal use. The penalty is four times the value of the goods and up to ten years in prison. In practice, tourists arriving with an e-cigarette are usually only confiscated and may be required to pay a fine. Importing one for personal use does not result in imprisonment. However, if they cannot pay the fine, they can be detained until it is settled. Arrests are rare, but they do occur, and some tourists will remember them for a long time. Although there has been discussion about relaxing the law, until then, it's best not to bring your e-cigarette to Thailand!

Smoking is prohibited on Thai beaches. Initially introduced on 24 beaches in Thailand, the smoking ban is being gradually extended to all beaches in the country. Anyone caught smoking or discarding cigarette butts on any of these beaches (look for signs and designated smoking areas) risks a fine of up to 100,000 baht and/or imprisonment for up to one year. The ban is less about disturbing others and more about combating environmental pollution caused by the many cigarette butts buried in the sand. Other smoking bans in Thailand: Smoking is prohibited in many public places in Thailand – and even in some private ones – including Bangkok's subway systems (BTS, MRT, and ARL), buses, trains, many train stations, some ferries, elevators, shopping malls, many restaurants, and so on. The law can further restrict smoking in public places. Since 2019, smoking has also been prohibited within a 5-meter radius of the entrances to public buildings. Some hotels prohibit smoking on the entire premises or in specific areas. Wherever smoking is prohibited, this is indicated by signs – though not always clearly visible – along with the fine. Signs often still display a fine of 2,000 THB, but these are outdated as the fine has been increased to 5,000 THB. In Thailand, the sale of cigarettes to people under 20 is prohibited, as the authorities are determined to discourage young people from smoking. Cigarette advertising of any kind is also prohibited.

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