An eminent attorney has warned the public about the repercussions of possessing electronic cigarettes or vaping devices in Thailand.
Police officers from the Huay Kwang station have been accused of accepting a bribe from a Taiwanese actress in exchange for ignoring her possession of a vaper.
According to attorney Ronnarong Kaewpetch, individuals caught in possession of a vaping device face up to five years in prison and a fine four times the cost of the item. He also mentioned that public vaping is a violation of Section 42 of the Tobacco Control Act, which carries a 5,000 baht fine.
In 2014, the Ministry of Commerce prohibited the importation of electronic cigarettes, electronic smoking equipment, and vape liquids. In accordance with Section 20 of the Import/Export Act, the importation of such devices or liquids is punishable by up to ten years in prison and/or a fine equal to five times the value of the items.
The Consumer Protection Board began prohibiting the sale of e-cigarettes and their liquids a year later, with violators facing up to five years in prison and/or a fine of 500,000 baht.
Although the restrictions have produced confusion among Thai social media users due to the widespread availability and use of vaping devices in the nation, according to Ronnarong, it is vital that the public understands and adheres to them in order to avoid severe consequences.
