What the law says, in short
| Topic | What to know (October 2026) |
|---|---|
| Status | Ban in force since 2014; it applies to visitors as well as Thai people |
| Importing | Maximum penalty: 10 years in prison and/or a 500,000 baht fine |
| Handling imported goods | Up to 5 years in prison or a fine of four times the value of the goods |
| In practice | Confiscation and on-the-spot fines reported; the amounts quoted (5,000 to 30,000 baht) differ between guides |
Maximum penalties are not the usual fine for a tourist, but they show the risk is not theoretical. A regulation plan has been discussed in the Thai Parliament, with no change adopted as far as we know.
At Phuket airport and in transit
Checked baggage does not change the import ban. Do not count on a transit exemption: guides disagree, and confiscation from connecting passengers has been reported at Bangkok Suvarnabhumi airport. If your flight goes through Bangkok, see the Bangkok layover. If you packed a device by mistake, take it out before leaving; if you have already arrived, ask a customs officer what to do, knowing that declaring it does not guarantee you avoid a penalty. For the trip from the airport, see Phuket airport and the beaches.
On the spot: checks and your hotel
Police have checked tourists in busy areas, and enforcement is uneven according to guides. A hotel room does not solve the import or possession question. Seeing a device for sale or someone vaping is no proof that it is legal. Always keep insurance: see travel insurance for Phuket.
Regular cigarettes and beaches
Smoking is still allowed in designated places, but Patong beach has had a smoking ban since November 2017, with a possible penalty of one year in prison and a 100,000 baht fine; smoking areas were set up behind the sand. Read the signs. To cut down or quit while travelling, ask a pharmacy (see health in Phuket); the main travel rules are summed up in before you go to Phuket.
FAQ
Can you take your vape to Thailand?
No: importing is banned, personal use included, according to guides and the embassy advisory. Leave it at home.
What fine can a tourist get for vaping in Phuket?
Reported amounts vary (5,000 to 30,000 baht depending on the guide), with confiscation; the law provides for much heavier penalties.
What about e-liquids and refills?
They are treated like the device: do not bring them.
La rédaction Phuket Authority, information read on 30 October 2026.
