Smokeless Tobacco in Thailand

[DonHo]

i found this old thread, now archived, so I will post the opening comment here then add my own:

"This is intended to be a discussion of the law. It is not a solicitation for sources of smokeless tobacco, nor should such discussion occur here. The question is, can anybody cite actual law banning the importation of up to 250 grams of smokeless tobacco for personal use?

It is definitely unlawful to import smokeless tobacco to Thailand for sale. It is unlawful to sell smokeless tobacco in Thailand. On the other hand, it is clearly legal for somebody entering Thailand to bring in up to 250 grams of smokeless tobacco for personal use.

So what about having an overseas friend or supplier post 200 grams of smokeless tobacco to Thailand for personal. Is this legal as well?

The question is, I suppose, whether the same import limitations that apply to persons entering Thailand apply to personal shipments to the Kingdom. Does the same law cover both instances?

If you talk about where to get such products, there are some who think you may run afoul of this forum rule:

16) Not to post about gambling, betting, pornography, illegal drugs, fake goods/clothing etc and other activities that are officially illegal in Thailand.

However, a discussion of the law will not violate the rule. I also hope not to have a debate about the merits or evils of tobacco.

Can anybody reference the law on this?"

There were no replies that had an answer in the old thread.

I have had American snuff shipped to me by a Sweedish company for a bout 3 years with no problem. My last shipment was held by customs though. I received notice that I had to travel to my local, if 100+ kilometers away is considered local, Customs House to retrieve my package. So, I took a day off from work and made the journey. They opened the package in my presence, looked at it a while, and said "mai dai". I said it's tobacco, I can't buy it here and it's less than 250 grams. I was told, through an interpreter, that you can bring it in yourself but not by mail. So they confiscated my snuff. 36 Euro plus shipping, plus my travel costs all down the drain. I was furious. They could not show me any rule or regulation for this decision. I pointed out that the package had a customs notice on it stating the contents and its value, their note to me claimed it did not, and that per their own website they had not followed regulations for handling of the package. Of course this is Thailand and regulations are worthless when those who are meant to enforce them have no idea what they are.

I can't find a rule anywhere stating it is illegal to ship tobacco into Thailand for personal use.

[DonHo]

I called the Customs customer service center this morning. I asked for the rules and regulations regarding tobacco. I was not given this. Instead I was told I need to contact the Excise Dept. and obtain a permit to import. This isn't for re-sale but for personal use but the customs people weren't hearing it.

Looking at the Excise website I can't get a clear picture of what is needed either. I called the hotline but there are no English options. I called the information number and there was no answer.

[bamnutsak]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/835764-american-chewing-tobacco-in-thailand/

[h90]

I called the Customs customer service center this morning. I asked for the rules and regulations regarding tobacco. I was not given this. Instead I was told I need to contact the Excise Dept. and obtain a permit to import. This isn't for re-sale but for personal use but the customs people weren't hearing it.

Looking at the Excise website I can't get a clear picture of what is needed either. I called the hotline but there are no English options. I called the information number and there was no answer.

I think you need the import license even it is for personal use only.

(it was once discussed for importing a few bottles wine or some medication for personal use, so I guess same on tobacco)