Arrested for vaping: Thailand holidaymakers face fines of £1,000 for utilizing e-cigarettes in public
Tourists sat outside enjoying a drink in the sunshine and smoking or vaping is a common sight in most European holiday destinations.
But in Thailand, there’s a little-known law that could catch visitors out.
Sara Green, 43, and her partner were holidaying in the Asian hotspot when they found themselves unexpectedly in trouble with the police.
The couple were vaping on the beach and were informed by local authorities that it was in fact illegal to do so.
‘It was a very stressful experience, especially being in a foreign country and not fully understanding what was happening,’ Sara told Yahoo Lifestyle.
The pair were taken to a police station and questioned before being hit with a huge fine.
Sara described the situation in the police station as ‘intimidating’ and it ‘made everything feel much more serious’.
At one point during the questioning, the police revealed they may keep Sara’s partner overnight.
Sara Green, 43, and her partner were holidaying in Thailand when they found themselves unexpectedly in trouble with the police
The couple were vaping on the beach until local authorities approached them to say that it was in fact illegal to do so (Stock of someone vaping on the beach in Koh Samui)
But in the end they were slapped with a 40,000 Thai Baht fine – equating to around £926.
The couple could have been fined even more if they hadn’t reached the limit on their ATM withdrawals for the day.
Sara and her partner were also told by police that if they were caught again they could be put in prison for up to five years.
It has been illegal to vape in Thailand since 2014 and London’s Royal Thai Embassy website states: ‘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 to both foreigners and Thais.’
It adds: ‘There have been recent incidents of foreign travellers who were unaware of the ban facing an on-the-spot fine or being arrested.
‘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.’
Other destinations have a vape ban in place too, including Singapore and Cyprus.
A ‘no smoking or vaping sign’ nailed to a post in Buriram, Thailand. The ban has been in place for years
In Cyprus, it is illegal to use e-cigarettes in public areas or in a private vehicle with a child.
Holidaymakers could be fined up to €850 (£744) if caught breaking the regulations.
Meanwhile, vaping in Hungary in public spaces could lead to a whopping $980 (£732) charge.
As for Singapore, where vapes have been banned since 2018, those caught could be fined 10,000 Singapore dollars (£5,877).
Dan Marchant, Vape Club director, previously urged travellers to check the rules of the country they are visiting beforehand.
Dan said: ‘As vaping grows in popularity globally, the laws surrounding it are constantly changing.
‘It’s crucial for vapers to check the local vaping laws of their destination before booking their trip to avoid potential fines, or even more severe consequences if vaping is banned in that country.’
He added: ‘The illegal vape trade has grown in countries where vaping is under strict regulation and mirrors the issues once prevalent in the cigarette black market, including youth usage, potentially dangerous products, and unregulated retail sales.
‘To avoid using illegal and potentially harmful products, it’s advisable for travellers to bring their own vaping devices and supplies to countries that permit them in limited quantities for personal use.’
Closer to home, it is prohibited to vape on a plane in the UK and doing so could lead to a fine of up to £5,000 as well as a ban from the airline.
It’s important to pack vapes in hand luggage, but don’t make the mistake of using the device on board.
Dan said: ‘For those travelling to vaping-friendly destinations by plane, remember to pack your batteries and vaping devices in your carry-on luggage.
‘This ensures they remain in a pressure-controlled environment, as they’re not allowed in checked baggage.’
