Thailand, March 27th, 2025 — Thailand has launched a tough crackdown on vaping, offering cash rewards for reporting violations.
On March 26th, the Thai government announced a new tip-off app and rewards for reports on e-cigarette use and sales. Informants can receive 3,000 baht if a violator is fined, with penalties for vaping in public set at 5,000 baht.
Selling e-cigarettes could lead to up to three years in prison and a fine of 600,000 baht, while smuggling e-cigarettes into Thailand carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to five times the product’s value. The government stated the measures aim to curb vaping among youth and will be supported by law enforcement incentives.
The crackdown follows Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s February order to control vaping within 30 days. A one-week nationwide operation led to 690 arrests and the seizure of vaping products worth over 41 million baht.
Last week, customs at Laem Chabang Port in Chonburi seized 120,000 e-cigarettes worth 21.8 million baht, disguised as furniture.
Meanwhile, some Thai lawmakers are pushing to legalize e-cigarettes. Last week, a parliamentary committee reported that 26 out of 39 members support regulating rather than banning vaping and have submitted recommendations to the Cabinet for review.
