Laws Against Smoking in Thailand: What You Need to Know
Smoking laws differ from country to country, so if you’re a smoker and you’re travelling to Thailand, the TAT has put together the below summary to ensure you enjoy a pleasant stay.
Campaign for No Smoking
Thailand is campaigning for ‘no smoking’ in prohibited public areas, as part of its Tobacco Control Law, which aims to promote a safe, clean and smoke-free environment.
Under the campaign, the Ministry of Tourism and Sports is working closely with tour companies and guides to seek cooperation from tourists not to smoke in prohibited areas, especially at sports complexes and tourist attractions nationwide.
Outdoor places where smoking is prohibited include facilities for exercise, sports training, sports playing, and sports competitions of every kind, public parks, zoological parks, amusement parks, children’s playgrounds, and markets. Tourists travelling with guided tour groups are required to strictly follow this new rule and regulation.
Thailand became a party to the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control on 27 February, 2005. Since then, the country has banned smoking in almost all indoor public places, indoor workplaces, and public transport.
However, international airports may have designated smoking areas and hotels may permit smoking in guest rooms. Non-air conditioned facilities serving food and/or drinks are smoke free only in the areas where food and/or drinks are served.
Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand
![Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand](https://www.tatnews.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Thai-Health-Promotion-Foundation.jpg)
Travellers coming to Thailand should be aware that electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes are illegal in the Kingdom.
Anyone found breaking this law by using an electronic cigarette – or vaping – in Thailand could be arrested and face jail time, or a fine several times the value of the illegal item(s). This applies both to foreigners and Thais.
There have been recent incidents of foreign travellers who were unaware of the ban facing an on-the-spot fine or being arrested.
The ban was introduced in 2014 by the Thai Government for health reasons and that electronic cigarettes were luring young people into smoking.
Thus, travellers coming to Thailand are advised not to bring any electronic cigarettes with them, nor any item or equipment associated with e-cigarettes; such as, the liquid used in the device.
Likewise, travel agents or tour operators selling Thailand as a destination should make sure their clients are aware of the ban in place on electronic cigarettes.