e-cigarettes are banned in Pattaya?

[Harvey 249]

I must be the last human on the planet who's figured out that there's a ban on e-cigarettes. (Checking out a crime news story in the Pattaya Mail website).

 

But regular cigarettes are okay.

 

If anyone knows the reason why, I'd like to know. Not that I smoke e-cigarettes. I just really get a kick out of illogical Thai laws.

[MM 6,562]

I must be the last human on the planet who's figured out that there's a ban on e-cigarettes. (Checking out a crime news story in the Pattaya Mail website).

 

But regular cigarettes are okay.

 

If anyone knows the reason why, I'd like to know. Not that I smoke e-cigarettes. I just really get a kick out of illogical Thai laws.

Official answer...health concerns if someone were to over ingest the nicotine solution (like drink it or something). Also concerns about makeup of e-juice solutions.

 

Real answer - tobacco monopoly wants to protect their market and revenue stream. Paradoxically, I seem to recall there is talk about the tobacco monopoly developing their own version of "legal" e-cigs and juices.

[Harvey 249]

Thanks Martin. Hahaha...love it.

 

So, to preserve money and monopoly for the industry, local governments are gonna employ police assets and arrest low-level average folk for possessing e-cigs.

 

Perfect.

[teelack 9,645]

Here in New Zealand there is also a ban. As far as I can work out it has to do with checking out the safety issues of them rather than any pressure from the smoke lobby and I believe that they are shortly to be put on sale.

 

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[TheFiend 1,181]

Seen many people openly using e-cigs in Pattaya, and even hawkers selling them.

[MM 6,562]

Seen many people openly using e-cigs in Pattaya, and even hawkers selling them.

True, but here's an irony on that subject...Sapphire Agogo does not permit ecig vaping, but allows smoking by order of the police!

 

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[jacko 8,822]

Here in New Zealand there is also a ban. As far as I can work out it has to do with checking out the safety issues of them rather than any pressure from the smoke lobby and I believe that they are shortly to be put on sale.

 

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A pity the safety issues of real cigarettes were not considered earlier. Perhaps they warrant a ban!

[Harvey 249]

True, but here's an irony on that subject...Sapphire Agogo does not permit ecig vaping, but allows smoking by order of the police!

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

 

 

Ha! I love Thailand.

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Does that mean, that if I bring my Vaper with me to Thailand, that I could risk it being confiscated or even arrested if detected ? Well, that is crazy, if so, because then I will have to smoke tobacco instead.

Edited September 27, 2016 by Gawd Elpus

[TheFiend 1,181]

Does that mean, that if I bring my Vaper with me to Thailand, that I could risk it being confiscated or even arrested if detected ? Well, that is crazy, if so, because then I will have to smoke tobacco instead.

 

I believe the commercial importation of e-cigs is banned, but for personal use is allowed.. On my last 3 trips I've had no problem taking them in and out.

[Gawd Elpus 798]

 

I believe the commercial importation of e-cigs is banned, but for personal use is allowed.. On my last 3 trips I've had no problem taking them in and out.

That is good to know, thanks

[MM 6,562]

That is good to know, thanks

You might give this a read and make your decision.

http://lovepattayathailand.com/e-cigarettes-vapers/

[Gawd Elpus 798]

You might give this a read and make your decision.

http://lovepattayathailand.com/e-cigarettes-vapers/

Oh

[teelack 9,645]

Why worry? I recently Googled the law in Thailand as it pertains to smoking. I am assured that Thailand is at the forefront of countries banning and controlling smoking in enclosed and indeed public places. Have a read. It's more entertaining than scary but it is an exercise in futility and non action. If you are happy to ignore those laws why would you bother about vaping?

 

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[Gawd Elpus 798]

Why worry? I recently Googled the law in Thailand as it pertains to smoking. I am assured that Thailand is at the forefront of countries banning and controlling smoking in enclosed and indeed public places. Have a read. It's more entertaining than scary but it is an exercise in futility and non action. If you are happy to ignore those laws why would you bother about vaping?

 

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I guess, because if I was searched entering Thailand, they would not arrest me for carrying tobacco, since apparently it is not a banned substance. However, they could do, if they chose to, if I was carrying a Vaper. Although it appears unlikely. Maybe I wont bother and go back onto cigarettes for a few weeks if I want to smoke. But then I might run the risk of upsetting some non smokers from time to time. Or, I could always just say, fuck it, and visit another country for my holiday. I am prepared to forego hiring a motorcycle, just in case I get stopped and just in case I might be over the limit,maybe from the night before, but I really do not fancy a holiday where I am too restricted. I may as well stay at home and be restricted here in the UK and save myself whole load of cash. That coupled with the fact that on my last visit, Pattaya was a ghost town, compared to what it used to be like.

 

I would probably be aiding and abetting breaking Thai prostitution laws at some stage anyway, and it might not be too long before the authorities clamp down further on those laws and find myself being rounded up during some police raid in a club somewhere http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/17/thailand-is-closed-to-sex-tourism-says-countrys-first-female-tou/

 

somehow each year, Pattaya is becoming less attractive to me than it once was, especially when I think of the outlay on Air Fares before I even start my trip. Or maybe, I could just join a monastery for a week and live with the Monks.

 

Thank God that there is always Pattaya's beautiful beaches, and plenty of cultural sites to visit to fall back on.

Ha ha, just a morning dose of cynicism from me before I have my caffeine fix

Edited September 28, 2016 by Gawd Elpus

[teelack 9,645]

 

I guess, because if I was searched entering Thailand, they would not arrest me for carrying tobacco, since apparently it is not a banned substance. However, they could do, if they chose to, if I was carrying a Vaper. Although it appears unlikely. Maybe I wont bother and go back onto cigarettes for a few weeks if I want to smoke. But then I might run the risk of upsetting some non smokers from time to time. Or, I could always just say, fuck it, and visit another country for my holiday. I am prepared to forego hiring a motorcycle, just in case I get stopped and just in case I might be over the limit,maybe from the night before, but I really do not fancy a holiday where I am too restricted. I may as well stay at home and be restricted here in the UK and save myself whole load of cash. That coupled with the fact that on my last visit, Pattaya was a ghost town, compared to what it used to be like.

 

I would probably be aiding and abetting breaking Thai prostitution laws at some stage anyway, and it might not be too long before the authorities clamp down further on those laws and find myself being rounded up during some police raid in a club somewhere http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/07/17/thailand-is-closed-to-sex-tourism-says-countrys-first-female-tou/

 

somehow each year, Pattaya is becoming less attractive to me than it once was, especially when I think of the outlay on Air Fares before I even start my trip. Or maybe, I could just join a monastery for a week and live with the Monks.

 

Thank God that there is always Pattaya's beautiful beaches, and plenty of cultural sites to visit to fall back on.

Ha ha, just a morning dose of cynicism from me before I have my caffeine fix

 

After all that I suggest that if vaping is your thing that you buy one in Pattaya I bought one for a family member plus refills so I know that they can be bought cheap in Pattaya. I am amazed at reading your long drawn out explanations as to why smoking is so important to you. When I was a heavy smoker the only important thing to me was to find a way to give it up. Seems that this isnt something that you are considering. That really is a shame. The jury is in believe it or not.

[Gawd Elpus 798]

 

After all that I suggest that if vaping is your thing that you buy one in Pattaya I bought one for a family member plus refills so I know that they can be bought cheap in Pattaya. I am amazed at reading your long drawn out explanations as to why smoking is so important to you. When I was a heavy smoker the only important thing to me was to find a way to give it up. Seems that this isnt something that you are considering. That really is a shame. The jury is in believe it or not.

I will give it up under "my" terms and when I chose to. It is quite simple. But if I buy a Vape in Thailand. then surely I will be breaking the law ? By vaping, I have reduced smoking cigarettes by nearly 80%. Vaping and smoking are 2 different things although there is an association. Having read the article that MM supplied, it seems to me, that smoking is encouraged over Vaping. If I am caught "vaping" I could face up to 5 years in prison. Yet I can buy tobacco and smoke it legally, even in Gogo bars.

 

I dont want to give up vaping or smoking, just yet. Why should I give anything up ? Its a personal choice and a freedom that I still have left. I dont care what a jury says, I find it rather confusing that I would be better off buying a banned item in Thailand rather than bring it in. Surely, isn't it still breaking the law ? Or maybe I could go to a pharmacy and buy two weeks supply of Zyban, mix it with alcohol and end up having a psychotic episode in the name of giving up smoking ?

 

Ahh, I know what I will do. I will completely give up smoking and vaping this minute, so I can have a care free two week holiday in Pattaya

 

My long drawn out post was not an explanation as to why smoking is important to me, it was more about the confusing laws in Thailand and their interpretation and practice. On one hand, we read that Vaporisers/ e cigarettes are now banned in Thailand, yet on the other we are told that we can still buy them, but could still be arrested for using them in public. I guess that it all boils down to enforcement or no enforcement of certain laws, and how much effort the police are prepared to put in to uphold them.

 

Surely, were you not breaking the law by buying an e cigarette/vape in Thailand or was the person who sold it to you along with the oil, breaking the law, or perhaps both ??

 

Maybe it is all about weighing up the risks rather than the law itself ? I doubt very much whether these new laws regarding e cigarettes have anything to do with public safety or health whatsoever and probably more to do with the potential loss of income through tobacco sales.

 

All of that said, in the UK, e cigarettes and vaping products are soaring, with Vape shops opening all over the country and smokers turning to e vaping. The products and oils are taxed, along with other business taxes. It is a win/win situation.

Edited September 28, 2016 by Gawd Elpus

[teelack 9,645]

Methinks thou do protest too much! When did you hear of anyone getting arrested for using a vape , smoking in a go go, buying Viagra from a pharmacy, using a prostitute ete. All you are doing is finding as many reasons as possible to refute your addiction. Carry on. It is amusing.

 

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[Gawd Elpus 798]

Methinks thou do protest too much! When did you hear of anyone getting arrested for using a vape , smoking in a go go, buying Viagra from a pharmacy, using a prostitute ete. All you are doing is finding as many reasons as possible to refute your addiction. Carry on. It is amusing.

 

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I am not protesting, I am asking questions, as the situation is not entirely clear. It has nothing to do with my addiction, but rather the confusing laws of Thailand. I am quite happy to admit my addiction to nicotine. I have not heard of anyone being arrested for any of the things that you mentioned, so I guess its OK to break those laws, if I wish as they are low risk Is that what you mean ? You obviously broke the law by buying an e vape, along with the seller. So I guess its OK for me to break the law by smoking in Gogos along with the proprietors ? I am sure that will amuse you

Edited September 28, 2016 by Gawd Elpus

[teelack 9,645]

Your assuming that it is against law to buy a vape. I didn't use it in Thailand. More to the point I and most others had no idea that it was unlawful whereas everyone on the forum is aware of the illegality of smoking in certain locations.

 

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[Gawd Elpus 798]

Your assuming that it is against law to buy a vape. I didn't use it in Thailand. More to the point I and most others had no idea that it was unlawful whereas everyone on the forum is aware of the illegality of smoking in certain locations.

 

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Yes I am assuming that it is against the law, Is it or isn't it ? It is all about being aware. Maybe this thread can shine some light on exactly whether it is legal or illegal. Since the initial post in this thread raises the question of whether e cigs have been banned is very good reason for the discussion. It also begs the question of why e cigs may have become illegal. Hence why I am posting in this thread. I am not trying to promote the use of e cigs or tobacco, I am trying to find out what the law is, why it is and whether it is being enforced, We already know that the smoking law is seldom enforced. It should be no suprise that I am asking as I am an e cig vaper and not a Leper

 

According to an article I read this earlier

 

"BANGKOK: — A popular online police page has confirmed penalties for the possession of E-cigarettes. Users could be jailed for five years and producers face 10 years inside for flouting the law.

The advice from policewoman Sirirat Piankaew on the “Muat Ka” page comes in the wake of the justice minister’s call for amphetamines to be taken off the narcotics list. Much confusion still reigns about the legality of e-cigarettes, reported Daily News.

Sirirat said that while there is actually no law forbidding the possession of E-cigarettes they fall into a category of goods that have not had tax levied on them and their possession therefore is illegal. Offenders could face five years jail or a fine of four times the value of the goods or both jail and fine.

The importation, sale and production for sale of E-cigarettes is also illegal with offenders liable to 10 year sentences for production and sale and a fine of five times the value of the goods or both. This law has been on the statute since December 2014.

 

All services associated with the smoking and promotion of E-cigarettes are also banned"

 

So, there could soon become a time when amphetamine based drugs such as Yaa Baa could become legal whilst smoking in indoor venues and possessing an e Cigarette are illegal. Great

 

Maybe I will forego the cigarettes and get off of my face on speed.

Edited September 28, 2016 by Gawd Elpus

[TheFiend 1,181]

Check out https://www.thailandvapers.com/#thailand-vapers.1

[Gawd Elpus 798]

Check out https://www.thailandvapers.com/#thailand-vapers.1

Thanks for that TF. Having looked through relevant posts on the forum, it is still not entirely clear, but I noticed that many were saying that if you split up the Vape kit into 2 or 3 pieces and place in checked luggage, then the battery in carry on luggage. It does seem to appear that the risks are minimal

[ThingsPattaya 4]

I already have a stash in my condo...I should never run out...I still walk around everywhere using it...I saw a young Thai guy using one earlier as well...I don't think police will go out of their way to do anything or even notice... because in reality its not a crime... its Big Tobacco like others have said, its not for health reasons or tax reasons or anything..anyone with any commonsense knows what its really about

 

http://www.pattaya-addicts.com/forum/topic/308088-surviving-as-a-vaper-in-pattaya-vaping-ecig-2016-2017-expat-style/

 

Edited December 28, 2016 by ThingsPattaya

[gs joe 1,780]

I believe the commercial importation of e-cigs is banned, but for personal use is allowed.. On my last 3 trips I've had no problem taking them in and out.

My son got a phone call from his friend claiming he was arrested for using one in a open bar last night ,

he was detained for 7 hours ,

 

Seems extreme to me , but I don't have the full story ,

 

Joe