Thailand Cracks Down on Vapes with Severe Penalties and Public Reporting

[snoop1130]

Photo by mauro_grigollo via Canva

 

Thailand has intensified its stance on e-cigarettes, with individuals caught with these illegal items facing up to five years in prison and substantial fines. Under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who initially favoured legalisation during her campaign, the government has reversed course, emphasising public health concerns, particularly among teens and children.

 

This crackdown includes significant actions from the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, which has blocked over 9,500 URLs related to vape sales. Using advanced social listening tools, the ministry removed numerous online ads, reinforcing a zero-tolerance policy.

 

Facing substantial penalties, those involved in selling, buying, importing, or using e-cigarettes risk severe repercussions. The legal framework includes imprisonment and fines under the Consumer Protection Act and Customs Act. Public vaping incurs fines under the Tobacco Product Control Act.

 

 

 

To bolster enforcement, residents are encouraged to report offenders via the Tang Rath mobile application, where users can submit details and track report statuses, fostering a community-driven approach against e-cigarette use.

 

The government's stringent measures reflect a broader aim to curb vaping prevalence, especially given recent high-profile incidents, like an MP vaping in Parliament. These developments signal a robust national effort to reduce vaping, aligning legal, technological, and community resources in enforcing anti-vape regulations, reported The Thaiger.

 

-- 2025-03-24

 

 

[ikke1959]

Solution number 1     Everybody needs to go smoking normal cigarettes, they are unhealthier, and will contribute to raise the hospital costs.

Solution number 2  Only not allowed for foreigners.. many Thai policemen, Government officials, military, teachers and others are vaping, but that is no problem

Solution number 3  Legalize the whole thing and make it expensive with more tax so that the country will get money to help people instead of their own cigarettes companies

[hotchilli]

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

Thailand has intensified its stance on e-cigarettes, with individuals caught with these illegal items facing up to five years in prison and substantial fines. Under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who initially favoured legalisation during her campaign, the government has reversed course, emphasising public health concerns, particularly among teens and children

But real cigarettes are just fine...Thai logic

[thenewgoo]

Tourists who like to vape may want to consider alternative holiday destinations.

[arick]

It's tobacco harvest Time in the provinces go figure.

[Kenny Boy]

2 minutes ago, thenewgoo said:

Tourists who like to vape may want to consider alternative holiday destinations.

Hope so 

[newbee2022]

I'm very happy with RTP at present.

Vapers out❗

[newbee2022]

21 minutes ago, hotchilli said:

But real cigarettes are just fine...Thai logic

Your kind of logic only?

[Rich426]

Obviously the government are loosing  out on cigarette tax money and now they're threatening serious consequences for anything vape related because of this. Why the hell don't they just legalise it and gain extra tax for the sales of e-cigs? Makes no sense at all ..... but then again T I T....

[arick]

So are they allowing you to take your vape in your carry-on. Are they waiting for you to recharge your vape on the board with your charging pack.

[Unclernie]

4 minutes ago, Rich426 said:

Obviously the government are loosing  out on cigarette tax money and now they're threatening serious consequences for anything vape related because of this. Why the hell don't they just legalise it and gain extra tax for the sales of e-cigs? Makes no sense at all ..... but then again T I T....

Can’t legalize a product that infringes on the monopolies controlling tobacco. They have the same attitude towards craft brewers and distilleries. It is protectionism of rich and moneyed interests as opposed to free enterprise 

[captnhoy]

This activity is not for me, But why should I be a busybody and report someone for it? Are rewards on offer?

[watchcat]

33 minutes ago, thenewgoo said:

Tourists who like to vape may want to consider alternative holiday destinations.

 

Or just use the popular bars

[renaissanc]

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

[newbee2022]

19 minutes ago, Rich426 said:

Obviously the government are loosing  out on cigarette tax money and now they're threatening serious consequences for anything vape related because of this. Why the hell don't they just legalise it and gain extra tax for the sales of e-cigs? Makes no sense at all ..... but then again T I T....

It makes a lot of sense if you dig into vaping and ingredients and addictions.

So, thank you Thai govt. ❗

[alex8912]

8 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

Yet every 7/11 sells cigarettes!!! 1/2 your facts have not even  been proven true for e cigs. Not enough time for real research. I liked being on the beach today near several e smokers. Soo much better than cigarette smoke.

[PingRoundTheWorld]

49 minutes ago, thenewgoo said:

Tourists who like to vape may want to consider alternative holiday destinations.

We can only hope! There are too many tourists as it is, which is causing problems. Vaping in your face with no regard for anybody else is just one of them.

 

15 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

To bolster enforcement, residents are encouraged to report offenders via the Tang Rath mobile application

Uhhhhh why bother? If they really wanted to enforce the law they could raid any nightlife establishment and they'll come up with a significant amount of vapes/vapers. But one can only dream...

 

I don't care if you want to vape in your home or in a smoking room - but vaping near other people in a room designated non-smoking should be enforced. It's a shame that venues allow it (in non-smoking rooms).

[TaaSaparot]

22 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

 

You missed out allergic reactions to propylene glycol, which I get, if I am in the company of a vaper.

[rumeaug]

Right. No vape? no problem. People will start smoking more cigarettes (teens or adults). Both are pure crap, but if public health is the issue (and it freakin' is..), guess which one comes first between vape or tobacco....

[Jack Hammer]

7 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

Vaping causes breathlessness. ..
 

Now I know why the bar girl in my room  last night was puffing and panting during horizontal folk dancing. Also could only hold her breath for short periods sucking on a icy pole. She was vaping before and after. I think she was addicted to vaping 

[kuzmabruk]

Beware the new penalties. Parliamentarians of course are exempt from. As are the rich.  As are the police.  As are anybody else deemed to have contributed enough.  As are ……..,   Foreigners beware!!!

[CallumWK]

One law for some, and another for others.

 

[VBF]

22 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

None of which matters as long as the stupid vapers (or smokers) stay away from other people when using their filthy products.

 

Harm yourself if you want but leave the air as clean as possible around others.

[G Rex]

23 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

 

I understand your concerns - but - the incongruity is that regular cigarettes also cause ALL of these ‘harms’ - and yet they are legal.

It is obvious to me that the biggest concern with regards to vaping is the lack of government control, and revenue.

[spidermike007]

We have an absolute monopoly on tobacco and we cannot control vaping, therefore it is highly illegal. That would does not profit this government will be made illegal. Obey, or else. 

[Toby1947]

31 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

Etc. to include a smack in the nose if you vape near me. 🤣😂

[motdaeng]

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

... emphasising public health concerns, particularly among teens and children.

 

what about the unhealthy air pollution ... vaping is a personal choice, breathing unhealthy air is not ...   and it affects everyone ...

[Formaleins]

Just ask who exactly profits from the tobacco industry and you have your answers, it has nothing to do with health, besides, if they abide by their own laws, children wouldn't be smoking, vaping, drinking, sniffing glue taking Ya Ba, child labourers, child prostitution.....but hell maybe the unwise youth and adults need protecting against the evils of the VAPE!

[Moonlover]

57 minutes ago, renaissanc said:

I see that some posters want vaping to be allowed. Here are some facts about vaping harms:

• Vaping can cause lung damage. Research shows that vaping allows tiny particles to be inhaled deep into the lungs. ...
• Vapes contain toxic chemicals. ...
• Nicotine in vapes is addictive. ...
• Vaping causes breathlessness. ...
• Vapes contain cancer-causing chemicals. ...
• Vapes can burn you. ...
• Vaping can cause nicotine poisoning.
• Asthma. Vaping can make you more likely to get asthma and other lung conditions. 
• Lung scarring. 
• Organ damage. 
• Etc.

I'm sure that one can draw up equally long lists for cigarettes and alcohol. Or even walking down the street during periods of poor air quality.

[pomchop]

so can you vape weed?