The trend that could get you 10 years in a Thai jail

Image: Settawat Udom/Shutterstock.com

They’ve exploded onto the scene in western countries in the past few years as a device used as an alternative to smoking, but in Thailand they’re a big no-no. 

E-cigarettes or ‘vapes’ may seem harmless to us, but Thailand banned the devices in 2014.

Although the ban applies more to the importation of e-cigarettes, they still fall under the law as an untaxed good. The full effect of that law could mean if you are caught with a vape, you could be imprisoned for 10 years.

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The British Foreign Office said several British travellers had been arrested for carrying e-cigarettes with them, and if travellers do bring them into the country they can expect to be arrested, fined and possibly even be imprisoned.

Pat Waterton, manager at UK travel company Langley Travel told Travel Weekly she was unaware of the ban until her nephew paid a fine after being threatened a jail sentence for having an e-cigarette on him in Bangkok.

She says that if she is selling Thailand holidays from hereon, she will always mention it.

Read more: 12 best beaches and islands in Thailand

We’re not saying smoking is a better alternative, so perhaps going cold turkey is the best option when travelling to Thailand.