I have just bought an e-cigarette in the UK for a friend in Thailand and now I have just been informed they are banned in Thailand. And if caught taking it into the country could face up to five years in jail. Is there any truth to this? Seems a bit harsh a penalty just for a e-cigarette. Can anyone clarify?

Thanks.

It is true that they are banned here. I don't know re potential penalties nor the likelihood of their being enforced.

Many things are banned in Thailand but still go on.

I would bet that you can still buy them here.

Bangkok Airways states that you can travel with your own E-Cigarette, but must not use them.

https://www.bangkokair.com/pages/special_baggage/E-Cigarette

I presume any ban would refer to manufacturing, selling, and importing.

They are openly on sale in some shops in Chiang Mai, not the fancy ones but the ones that look like cigarettes.

the ones that look like cigarettes.

Cunningly disguised?

the ones that look like cigarettes.

Cunningly disguised?

I've really benefited from this

I've really benefited from this

In what way did you benefit?

Many things are banned in Thailand but still go on.

I would bet that you can still buy them here.

Does that rule apply ONLY to Thailand?

Naive, aren't we?

Myself and several people i know take ours into Thailand and use it anywhere. Never had an issue.

there is actually no law forbidding the possession of E-cigarettes they fall into a category of goods that have not had tax levied on them and their possession therefore is illegal. Offenders could face five years jail or a fine of four times the value of the goods or both jail and fine.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/926368-e-cigarettes-light-up-and-face-years-in-jail/

Arguably this would exclude the personal possession of a device by a tourist.