Thailand warning as UK travellers could be jailed for 10 years

Millions of people are potentially at risk of harsh penalties

Thailand continues to grow in popularity with UK travellers, as many people opt to visit destinations including Phuket and Ko Samui for their holidays. But people are being warned they could be jailed for up to 10 years if they’re found to have a common item on their person in the south-east Asian nation.

An estimated 4.5m people in the UK now use a vape or e-cigarette, and if you are one of them, it is well worth doing your research before setting off on holiday, as rules can vary drastically from country to country. Thailand has one of the strongest anti-vaping bans in the world, with unsuspecting tourists caught with one potentially being fined up to 30,000 baht, around £650, or even sent to prison for up to 10 years.

Similarly, in Singapore, possessing an e-cigarette could mean a fine of S$2,000, about £1,200. And in Cyprus, it is illegal to vape in public areas, or in a private vehicle where a child under the age of 18 is present.

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A breach of these rules could result in a fine of up to 850 euros, while vapers visiting Hungary could be fined up to around £760 for vaping in public spaces, where smoking is also banned. Dan Marchant, director of Vape Club, said: “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.

“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.”