Stricter penalties loom for vape users in Thailand
Thailand Amps Up Fight Against E-cigarettes
The Thai government is beating a harder drum in its war on e-cigarette smokers, with smokers potentially facing charges for possessing smuggled goods, according to a government spokesperson.
Following a surge in youth vaping, backed by a spike in hospitalizations due to vaping-related diseases, the government is taking a more aggressive stance on e-cigarettes. This includes a broader crackdown, extending beyond smugglers and distributors to include smokers too, the deputy government spokesman, Anukul Prueksa-anurak, confirmed on a recent Thursday.
"E-cigarette smokers can be prosecuted for receiving smuggled goods," he warned.
Under Thailand's Customs Act, offenders face prison terms of up to five years and fines equal to four times the value of the smuggled goods, plus any applicable duty.
The black-market trade of e-cigarettes continues unabated, with devices openly sold – even in areas near schools – fuelling the rampant increase in vaping among young people. A recent study by Ramathibodi Hospital revealed that the medical treatment of vaping-related diseases cost the hospital approximately 306 million baht last year, including cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke, heart attack, and asthma.
The surge in vaping among people aged 15-29 years has risen from 5.8% in 2019 to 12.2% in 2024, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has mandated a severe clampdown on e-cigarettes, especially online sales channels. After two months of the crackdown, e-cigarette sales plummeted by more than 80%, according to Mr. Anukul.
In a move to boost public participation, citizens can now earn up to 3,000 baht (60% of the fine) for reporting smokers (or other offenders) using the Thang Rath app, which includes photographic evidence. Authorities now target e-cigarette users under the Customs Act for "receiving smuggled goods," alongside sellers and distributors.
The Thai government's multi-faceted approach to eradicate vaping remains under constant scrutiny, with critics questioning its long-term effectiveness and potential to drive black-market activity deeper underground. Tourists visiting Thailand should also exercise caution, as they risk confiscation, substantial fines, and even imprisonment for possessing e-cigarettes.
- Thai authorities are considering smokers as potential offenders for possessing smuggled e-cigarettes, according to a government spokesperson.
- The Thai government's crackdown on e-cigarettes extends beyond smugglers and distributors, now including smokers too.
- E-cigarette smokers could face up to five years in prison and fines equal to four times the value of the smuggled goods under Thailand's Customs Act.
- The black-market trade of e-cigarettes continues in Thailand, with devices openly sold, even in areas near schools.
- The Thai government's clampdown on e-cigarettes, specifically online sales channels, has resulted in a significant decline in sales.
- Citizens in Thailand can earn rewards for reporting e-cigarette users via the Thang Rath app, which includes photographic evidence, with authorities targeting users under the Customs Act for "receiving smuggled goods."
