E-cigarette rulings differ considerably across borders and we recently brought you vaping on holiday to advise you on the best practices when using an e-cigarette abroad. You should be thorough when researching other country’s vaping policies wherever you travel but be particularly cautious if travelling to Thailand.
Strict laws are in place relating to the import of e-cigarettes in to the South-east Asian country and these rulings have recently been in the spotlight due to a tourist’s recent experience and said tourist was the relative of a travel agent, named Pat Waterton. Waterton, manager at Langley travel, was unaware of these laws until her nephew was threatened with jail and stung with a £125 fine for simply having an e-cigarette with him during his time in Bangkok.
Waterton told Travel Weekly:
“If I’m selling Thailand I will definitely mention it now. All agents should.
“Thailand is very popular so we should make sure we are telling people about things that could ruin a holiday.”
The Foreign Office is now urging British Tourists to leave their e-cigarettes and other vaping equipment at home when visiting Thailand and their website states:
“You can’t bring vaporisers (like e-cigarettes and e-baraku) or refills into Thailand. These items are likely to be confiscated and you could be fined or sent to prison for up to 10 years if convicted. The sale or supply of e-cigarettes and similar devices is also banned and you could face a heavy fine or up to 5 years imprisonment if found guilty. Several British Nationals have been arrested for possession of vaporisers and e-cigarettes.”
Thailand is often scrutinised for its policies and I’m sure there are many vapers who strongly disagree with this particular law. Nevertheless, the safety of tourists when on their travels is the biggest priority, so we advise you to take the recommendations from the Foreign Office and be sure to do your research wherever you travel.
Want more Vaped? Check out our other Article – ‘How Have E-cigarettes Affected the UK’s ‘Sin Tax’ Ranking?‘
